Mid week ride out for May, led and organised by Alan - looks like a good route, just need some decent weather!
The start and end point is Costa Coffee, Unit 7, Gateway 44, Carlisle, CA3 0GW (What3Words - bulky.nitrogen.verse
If arriving via the M6 Junction 44, take the A689 towards Workington. At the next roundabout, take the 4th exit towards Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall dealers, then turn first right into the Costa Coffee car park.
I would suggest meeting about 09:30 - 10:00, for a 10:30 start.
At the first roundabout (from Costa Coffee) take the 4th exit on to Parkhouse Road, passing Asda on the left, and on to Gretna on the back roads (pretty much parallel to the M6).
At the first (only?) roundabout in Gretna, take the 2nd exit to join the B721 towards Annan. Stay on the B721 to, and through Annan, to join the A75. Continue westbound along the A75 to Dumfries. On reaching Dumfries continue on A75 until reaching the 4th roundabout. At the 4th round about, take the 3rd (major) exit onto the A76 northbound.
Stay on the A76 until approximately 1/2 mile south of Thornhill, then turn left B731. At the next T-Junction turn left onto the A702.
Stay on A702, through Moniaive, until St John’s Town of Dalry, turn right onto A713 then, after about 1/2 mile turn left onto the A762.
Stay on A762 through New Galloway, and on to Laurieston. At Laurieston turn left onto the B795, and continue to Townhead of Greenlaw.
At Townhead of Greenlaw turn right on A713.
At the junction turn left onto the A75 (eastbound) towards Dumfries.
Stay on the A75 until the first (Hospital) roundabout at Dumfries. At the hospital roundabout take the second exit and continue along that road for about 1/2 mile, then turn left onto the A711.
After about 1/4 mile, bear right onto Park Road. After about 1/2 mile, turn right onto New Abbey Road, then turn left onto A756 Pleasance Avenue.
Stay on A756 and, after crossing the bridge over the River Nith, turn right onto the B725,
Stay on B725 to Glencaple, stop at the Boathouse Cafe for lunch.
Continue on B725 to Ruthwell, then B724 to Annan, and B721 back to Gretna, back roads back to Carlisle and finish at Costa Coffee.
I’ll be touring Scandinavia on the Guzzi so won’t be able to make it, so let me know how you all get on and any photos would be appreciated. Enjoy.
Cheers
Robin