Posted by Since passing my motorcycle test in April, I’ve been making the most of every dry day to get out on the bike and build up experience. Recently, I went out for a cracking ride with my mate Lockshar—a mix of fun, food, and some of the most scenic roads our part of Scotland has to offer.
First Stop: Annandale Water Services
We set off from Annan with no major plan, just the urge to ride. First stop: Annandale Water Services. It might not sound like the most exciting destination, but it’s a great halfway point to stretch the legs and grab a bite.
Lockshar went for a burger to fuel up, while I stuck to a coffee (I need all the help I can get staying alert when the roads are this good!).
A Quick Dip Into Moffat
After our break, we headed up to Moffat for a quick in-and-out loop. Moffat is a charming little town known for its woollen mill, independent shops, and its popularity with bikers exploring the Southern Uplands.
The roads leading in and out are brilliant—twisty enough to keep you focused, but flowing enough to enjoy the ride without too much stress.
Back via Dumfries, Glencaple, and Bankend
From there, we looped back through Dumfries, the largest town in the area. It’s full of history and has a lovely riverside atmosphere—definitely a spot I’d like to explore more in a future ride.
Next, we passed through Glencaple, a peaceful little village nestled on the banks of the River Nith. The view over the estuary here is stunning—if you catch it on a calm day, it’s well worth stopping for a photo.
Our final stretch took us through Bankend, a tiny rural spot that links up some really underrated biking roads. From there, it was a smooth ride back to Annan.
Wrapping Up
All in all, it was a brilliant few hours out—good company, a bit of grub, and some top-notch riding. It’s these little trips that remind me why I got into biking in the first place.
If you’re a beginner like me, rides like this are perfect for building confidence without diving into anything too challenging. And if you’re ever in Dumfries and Galloway, definitely visit some of these places!