Name: Curiosity Ride - Speddoch Loop
Start: 2025-10-26T15:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-10-26T18:30:00+00:00
Location: Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club

Our Halloween Speddoch Loop is a gently paced outing of about 24 miles largely on quiet back roads – but it does have a significant amount of climbing and a long descent, which will take place in the dark. As with all our Curiosity Rides the emphasis is on enjoying the ride and meeting people, rather than speed and endurance – we go ‘at the speed of chat’ and we welcome all types of cycles including e-bikes and trikes. However do make sure your bike has plenty of lights as we will be riding on unlit roads after dark.
Meet for 3:30 pm start at the bridge by the Rowing Club. Here’s the planned route https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1336018078/ (although the ride leader may vary the exact route depending on the conditions on the day and the wishes of the participants).
This 24-mile ride takes us out to the Glenkiln Reservoir and up round the Speddoch loop – with the bulk of the ride usually on all but deserted roads. The route takes the Maxwelltown path out of town and up the Glen Road, cutting up to the Terregles Road and then on towards Shawhead before climbing up past the reservoir and up and over the hill. We then descend all the way down to rejoin the Irongray Road and back into Dumfries.
Note: please make sure your bike has good lights, as there are no streetlights and once past the reservoir it will be completely dark. Make sure also you will be warm enough – the descent means a long stretch without pedalling and it’s easy to get chilled. Bring warmer gloves than you think you need, and perhaps an extra layer.
Rides continue regardless of the weather, unless the ride leader decides it would be dangerous (or no fun) – we normally don’t ride if there are weather warnings or snow and ice on the roads.
There’s no need to book but if you use Facebook you can sign up for the event via our Facebook page. If you’ve any questions or aren’t sure if this ride is suitable then email us ([email protected]) – or you can check out our FAQ (https://cyclingdumfries.wordpress.com/2019/12/15/winter-rides-frequently-asked-questions/).
You don’t need to be a member to come on a ride, but if you attend regularly (three or more a year) we ask you to join, to ensure you are covered by our insurance. Your membership also supports our year round work – prices start from just £5 per year.