Posted by After the last ride out with Lockshar, it didn’t take much convincing to get back on the bike again. This time, we decided to head west from Annan out toward the coast, aiming for Southerness—a quiet little village in Dumfries & Galloway with cracking views over the Solway Firth.
Outbound to Southerness
We left Annan with the sun threatening to make an appearance, winding our way through Dumfries before making the final stretch toward the coast. Roads were in decent condition, and traffic was light for the most part—just the kind of riding I need while I’m still getting my confidence up.
At Southerness, we stopped off at the 19th Hole, a relaxed little spot near the golf course. Just as we arrived, a small group of bikers were pulling out, a mix of an adventure style bike and some scooters. Always nice to see a other bikers.
Lockshar and I grabbed a quick can of IRN BRU—fuel of champions—and took in some fresh salty sea air. The lighthouse at Southerness is always worth a wander down to if you’ve not seen it before. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland and gives the village its distinctive feel.
A Moment in Dumfries
The route back took us inland again, and we came through Dumfries once more. I had a bit of a fright there—nothing major, but enough to raise the heart rate. A driver suddenly cut across two lanes beside me to make a right turn. One of those moments where staying alert really pays off.
While filling up at a petrol station just outside town, I spotted a lovely adventure-style bike. What caught my eye was the kick start—a proper throwback. The rider was just pulling away, it was one of those bikes that looks like it’s got stories to tell.
Scenic Return via Caerlaverock and Powfoot
We then carried on through Glencaple, a sleepy village with unbeatable views, and past the dramatic ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. If you’ve never stopped there before, it’s well worth a detour—a unique triangular moated fortress with a proper Game of Thrones feel.
After that, we swung through Powfoot, a quiet seaside village with great shoreline and a calm, open stretch of road. We stopped briefly to soak in the view before heading back home to Annan.
Wrapping Up
This ride was another reminder of why I love biking so much. It’s not always about long-distance hauls—sometimes just a few hours, a scenic stop, and a cold IRN BRU can make for the perfect day.
Still learning every time I get on the bike, but these local runs with good mates are helping me build confidence and memories along the way.
If you’re ever down this way, the Southerness loop is a gentle, scenic ride that hits a lot of great stops without being too demanding. Highly recommend it for fellow beginners or anyone looking for a chilled day out.