JOYRIDE GUIDE

Dumfries and Galloway is a true haven for cycling nestled in the western Southern Uplands of Scotland. You will be struck by just how beautiful this unspoilt corner of Scotland is, and how quiet the roads are. It comprises the historic counties of Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, and Wigtownshire which offer breath taking glens and sweeping valleys, making for some of the best riding you’re likely to find in the Scotland. 

Discover the routes we rode on our LeBlanq Scotland joyride and check out our recommendations for dining and relaxing in the area.

Comfortably cosy, its warm, welcoming ambiance mingles with five centuries of history stacked up within the walls. Sit by the lounge bar inglenook and share a space once occupied by Rabbie Burns as he sheltered against winter’s icy blast.

Enjoy a delicious meal in the spacious dining area where you can watch talented chefs as they busily prepare a wide range of mouth-watering dishes mainly from healthy local Scottish produce.

The Inn has brought in chefs at the top of their profession to ensure the highest quality of cuisine that will tempt diners to return time after time.

"If the landscape doesn't take your breath away, the food will."

Chef Tony Pierce and the kitchen team at Knockinaam Lodge have one objective in mind each day and that is to please the guests. Tony has been doing just that at Knockinaam Lodge for 25 years and during that time has trained many young chefs in the traditional methods of great cooking. That starts with the choice of ingredients and Knockinaam are blessed with outstanding quality seafood and farm produce right on their doorstep, so the team have the pick of the crop and that includes fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from their very own hotel garden

With 3 AA Rosettes comes an expectation of high standards and the team seek to live up to that every day. The menu is carefully designed by Tony and his chefs, who select the best raw ingredients from their trusted suppliers. It is then about adding the imagination to come up with a different menu each day that has guests waiting in anticipation.

Moffat is a town perfect for relaxing. There are a number of great walks within the town and local hills and the coast to coast Southern Upland way passes nearby. Within a few miles is the dramatic scenery of the Devil’s Beef Tub and the beauty of the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

This small restaurant sits within the old drawing room of a hotel, Hartfell House.

The Limetree has been one of the top restaurants in South West Scotland for more than a decade, but it’s not ‘fine dining’ in the traditional sense. There is, however, consistent emphasis on the best quality ingredients, many sourced from the Moffat area and seasonal cooking. The Chef, Matt Seddon sums it up well:

 “I cook what I like to eat – real food – big taste and flavour, no fuss.”

"Ingenuity is our bread and butter." 

Dunskey Estate uses only the finest, locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their accomplished head chef, Dave Alexander, has devoted his life to culinary adventures and excellence. He creates unbeatable bespoke menus, world-class cuisine, and a dining atmosphere where people come to explore and be delighted. 

Dave hails from Michelin-star, 3AA Rosette kitchens. He cares deeply about using local and seasonal goodies, and is a champion of all the the excellent ingredients that Southwest Scotland has to offer. 

And what better to accompany your meal than a pairing to complement each course, suggested by Dunskey Estate's in-house curator of wines and spirits.

Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate and is Scotland's most exotic garden. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa are able to thrive here. 

The Garden dates back to 1869 and became Logan Botanic Garden in 1969 after it was gifted to the nation.   It's a regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh and well worth a visit. 

"Coffee is our passion – and we strive hard to bring the very best coffee to Dumfries. Our baristas are trained by Has Bean in Stafford – one of the best roasters in the UK."

If you're looking for a caffeine fix, then this locally owned speciality coffee shop is the place to head to. Listed in the Independent Coffee Guide, an insiders guide to the best coffee in the UK and Ireland, Kings coffee take enormous pride in the coffee they serve. Marvel at their latte art, or enjoy one of the interesting single origins that they search out for brewed coffee using pour-overs. 

If you’re a coffee geek, you’ll feel right at home!

Welcome to a truly hidden place. A place to be inspired, reflect, recharge and reconnect; where you will feel 'at home' whether you're travelling on your own or with a party of friends.

The luxury, award-winning five star hotel in Ayrshire, Scotland, provides an intimate level of service with genuine attention to detail. It has great beauty in its period furnishings and interiors as well as through the breathtaking gardens, forest, and the seascapes that surround that castle.

Portpatrick is a charming seaside fishing village set on Galloway's rugged coast – a peaceful and unspoiled corner of southern Scotland. From the hotel’s elevated location you can see the village below with classic white-washed cottages and harbour, and the nearby Killantringan Lighthouse marks another spectacular spot

The Portpatrick Hotel is set in a spectacular location, on the cliff tops amongst nine acres of grounds. The area is a haven for sports lovers and outdoor types with a wide range of activities available nearby such as golf at the nearby Dunskey Golf Club, birdwatching, walking and fishing.

The 12th century Dunskey Castle is just two miles away. The sprawling Logan Botanic Garden, famous for its palms, tree ferns, eucalyptus grove and walled garden is 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel. You can even cross the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland by ferry from the nearby Cairnryan Port on Loch Ryan.