Ride the North 2026 : Tour of Angus

I’d noticed the Ride the North event at the back end of last year, and wanted to ride it in 2026 as it covered a part of Scotland I’d never ridden before and was closer to my mum’s part of Scotland. It is a circular route starting and finishing at Glamis Castle and offering a few options of route length – I’d chosen the longer 150k / 93 miles option. I’d taken the train up to Dundee on the Friday and cycled to my campsite at Greenhillock Glamping, ten miles from Glamis, on roads that were rather hillier than I’d been expecting. Arising early on Saturday morning I set off along the track from the campsite, past golden fields of harvested grain with a fabulous morning sunrise, just a few clouds hanging around in the blue sky. 

Approaching the road towards the end of the track I saw a roe deer in the field to my left, skipping away as it heard my approaching wheels. I turned right for Glamis and a little further on another roe deer bolted across the road in front of me, heading off into the fields. I turned off at Inverarity and passed the farm that would be the first control point on the ride later in the day, noting the coffee stall that was being set up. Another cyclist pulled alongside me and we chatted for a while, and then I encountered the first riders who had set off at 7am heading towards me. I exchanged “good mornings” with a few, some that passed looked like they were already suffering a little from the rolling nature of the route. At this height I was blessed with some great views of the open countryside with the foothills of the Cairngorms behind. It wasn’t long before I turned right onto the A928 and headed downhill towards Glamis, crossing the A94 and riding through the village and into the castle grounds. The long drive took cars and cyclists to the registration area where I joined a throng of other cyclists waiting to start at their allotted times. I took my position in my group and awaited the off. 

After a safety chat from the organisers we were sent on our way, and I headed back down the drive, through the village to the A94 where marshals were waiting to cross us safely. I was retracing my earlier ride and so climbed up the A928 before turning off and rolling back to Inverarity and the first control at Mill of Inverarity farm, where my passport was stamped. This was proof of your route completion and had helpful mileage information so you knew how far it was to the next control. I had coffee and cake, knowing that the distance I was cycling was going to require lots of calories taken on board. Setting off again the long route soon turned south and headed towards the wonderfully named Carrot, where Carrot Hill was waiting to be climbed. There were chalk messages written on the road, presumably from the event the year before, giving encouragement to cyclists grinding up the incline. I found another rider’s passport on the floor on the road, and stopped to pick it up to take to the next control. A few miles further on I got my first glimpse of the North Sea and the Firth of Tay, before continuing on and dropping down into Monikie and the next control at Monikie Memorial Hall, the most southerly extent of the route. 

After a brief stop I headed off past Monikie Country Park, then rode through more farmland and past another country park, Crombie, before turning west at East Skichen and rolling on to Whigstreet where the long route rejoined the main route. I found myself among more cyclists at this point, and near Lour we all puffed up a short steep section before turning right to pass through Craichie and Bowriefauld to reach Letham, where the next control was situated at the Village Hall. I had a bacon butty and a coffee, and visited the loo before setting off again, riding through and out of Letham, passing a couple of joggers and exchanging pleasantries. A little further on the route passed Balgavies Loch, and glancing to my left I noticed three highland cows relaxing by the side of the water. 

Whilst many cyclists were passing me, and I was passing many too, I was noticing a few that seemed to always be around me, and had a little chat with a couple of them as we passed and repassed. The route passed several woods amongst the farmland, and there were occasional people watching on from the side of the road that were cheering the cyclists as they passed by, making for a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I also noticed three buzzards hovering just off to the side of the route, hopefully not waiting for weary cyclists! The road descended steeply on a rough sketchy surface shortly before coming to Brechin, entering the town across a splendid bridge over the River South Esk. I headed up into town and the next control on the High Street, which was closed to traffic but was thronging with cyclists. After a short stop I continued on to Distillery Road where, rather than turning left to follow the route I headed right on a little detour. In planning for the event I’d noticed a distillery existed in Brechin that I hadn’t heard of, so of course a visit was in order! Turning up at the Glencadam distillery I headed into the shop, where I picked up a magnet, a couple of miniatures and headed to the till. I asked the girl at the counter which was best – the 10 year old or the 15 – as I was planning on buying a bottle. She gave me a little description of each and then asked if I fancied a small taste of each to help decide. Well, I thought, it would be rude not to! I made my choice and left with my purchases in my backpack, wondering if the weight of the bottles would hold me back on the bigger hills to come! 

I rejoined the official route just as a couple of cyclists arrived, and I rode along for a few miles with them. One of these was an American woman, who was wondering why I had come to the route from a different direction to everyone else. I explained my distillery diversion and we had a chat about whisky and cycling for a while before I eventually left them. Soon I was riding into Edzell along the High Street and on to the next control at Edzell Muir. A piper was playing a few tunes while I snacked on a small quiche, vegetable muffin and can of Irn Bru. This was the northerly limit of the route, and leaving here I rode past Edzell Castle and on to a serious climb up the Caterthuns. Managing my effort I was soon cresting the summit and continued along the rolling roads, looking left across to where I’d been riding earlier in the day. Approaching Bridgend I looked left and spotted a road that appeared to be going straight up the side of a steep hill, and thought to myself “hope we’re not riding up that”. Shortly afterwards, a sign at the side of the road warning of Max Grade 17% gave the awful truth that we were indeed going upwards again. This one was even tougher than the first, but with determination and measured effort I ground my way up to the top. 

What goes up must come down of course, and after a nice bit of flying downhill I found myself turning right where the next control at Menmuir was only a short distance away. A cup of tea, banana and a trip to the portaloos and I set off again, passing an interesting windmill tandem structure by the roadside. The next control at Memus was only 8 miles further on along rolling but not too steep roads, and for the last mile I found myself chatting to another cyclist about cycling in Scotland. I didn’t stay long at Memus as I knew the next control was just 5 miles further on at Kirriemuir, and it wasn’t long before I was riding past Kirriemuir Golf Club and on into town. Kirriemuir was the last control before the second extra loop for the long route, and I needed to make a decision here about whether to continue on the long route or take the short, or standard, option. The route had been a bit more challenging than I’d expected with all the climbing, and my legs were feeling a little heavy when the road went upwards, this coupled with the fact that there was a time limit for finishing meant a bit of thought was needed. I bought a couple of cakes and a cup of tea and went to sit down and consider the options while I refuelled. 

Eventually, after a bit of discussion with one of the local volunteers who gave me positive vibes and encouragement, I decided to continue with the long route, and after a visit to a portaloo I set off again. It was a couple of miles to the point where the shorter route turned off, and as I rode past the turn off I knew I’d committed to another hilly section. A couple of miles of rolling road passed and then it was onto another couple of miles of climbing up to Balintore, the high point of the route. The whisky bottle in my backpack kept shifting and settling and making gurgling noises as I rode on. After Balloch where the road became more rolling before the big climb I stopped to take a photo of the beautiful glen with the road dropping away in front of me. 

Remounting I enjoyed the brief respite of descending fast before the road reared up again steeply into Balintore. As before I settled into a rhythm I could manage and ground up the incline to the top. Just before Balintore I came across the grand sight of Balintore Castle, a Victorian Category A listed building which is undergoing restoration. After Balintore the road began dropping again, allowing me time to catch my breath back. Just before crossing the B951 by the Loch of Lintrathen a house on the right was offering drinks, flapjacks and free toilets to Ride the North riders, just another example of the wonderful supportive community that I’d seen all day. A few more miles down the road I came to a right turn for Peel, and Isla School where the penultimate control was situated. Here I used the toilet, bought a can of drink and an energy bar and sat on the soft and welcoming grass to eat them. I lay back for a while to get a bit of rest, then set off for the last 16 miles to the finish at Glamis Castle. Leaving Peel I passed alongside the Loch of Lintrathen where a fisherman was trying his luck from a boat. 

At Bridgend of Lintrathen the route turned away from the loch and descended to the B951 where a left took me heading back towards Kirriemuir. In a couple of miles the shorter route rejoined from the left and then a right turn before the Loch of Kinnordy sent me past Westmuir to cross the A926. By this time I was flying along, the tiredness in my legs had disappeared and I felt really good and strong. After the A926 I turned right to Moberty, then left to Hatton of Eassie and left again to head towards Glamis, passing a group of cyclists on the road, some of whom had Not So Hairy Bikers jerseys on. In a few more miles I came to the A94, where marshals were on hand to make sure I crossed the busy road safely. Once over I rode on, and came across another group of Not So Hairy Bikers in a layby who collared me and asked if I’d seen any other riders with the jerseys on. I told them of the group I’d passed just before and continued on my way. Soon I had reached Glamis and the entrance to the castle. I rode through the portal, and down the drive towards the castle where I was cheered through to the finish by the event volunteers, making my way to the registration tent where I got my final passport stamp and picked up a finishers goody bag. 

It had been a hard but brilliant ride, with fantastic support from the communities I’d ridden through. I’d been lucky with the weather, having expected an afternoon of showers but only seeing a couple of short light spells of refreshing drizzle as I rode round. All that was left was some fish and chips and the ride back to the campsite, and so for the second time that day I left Glamis Castle, rode through the town and crossed the A94. As I started the climb up the A928 I spotted another roe deer in the field to my right. I continued climbing and retraced my morning ride back into and out of Inverarity and from there direct to the campsite. Shortly before the turn for the campsite I spotted another roe deer in the fields, as well as being shadowed by a buzzard flying along the fields on my right. And so, 13 hours, 115 miles and almost 8,000 feet of climbing later I headed back to my tent for a well deserved shower and rest. It had been an amazing day out.

 

Ride to the Sun 2026

“You doing Ride to the Sun?”. I was waiting on platform 12 at Crewe for my train to Carlisle, and two cyclists from Alsager Harlequins came down the stairs, one of them posing the question to me. I replied that I was indeed, and it turned out they were too, along with five other club members who were going on a later train.

Ride to the Sun is an event I came across a year or so ago. The aim is to arrive at Cramond Beach in Edinburgh in time to see the sun rise on the Sunday closest to the summer solstice, having ridden through the night from Carlisle to get there. It’s free to enter and bills itself as a friendly ride, not a sportive. There’s a chippy tea stop nearly half way at Moffat followed by a climb up The Devil’s Beef Tub to a piper, a rave half way at The Wee Crook Cafe then a gentle ride to Edinburgh and the beach. That ticked all my boxes, so I registered at the start of this year.

In the week leading up to the ride it seemed it would be more appropriate to call it Ride to the Drizzle, as the forecast wasn’t looking promising, however by Friday it looked very good indeed. Arriving at Carlisle station I rode to Bitts Park, the official starting point, and picked up my free badge from the organisers before heading to the cafe for a coffee and an ice cream. In addition to the riders from Alsager I spotted one from Holmes Chapel Velo and a couple from Crewe Clarion Wheelers. I’d pondered long and hard about timings leading up to the ride, after all it’s not every day I do a hundred miles and wanted to ensure I got to the beach not too early and not too late. According to my schedule I would leave Bitts Park at 6pm, however I decided to set off early as I’d got restless waiting around, so around half past five I headed off out of Carlisle for the north.

Traffic was fairly busy as I crossed the M6 and headed up the A7 to Longtown, where I rode over the wide and beautiful River Esk then turned off onto the A6071 to Gretna. I noticed a couple of young ladies at the side of the road and asked if they needed help. One of them had an issue with her front changer so I stopped to sort that out for her, then set off again. It seemed that the wind was blowing in my face at this point, which was disappointing as I’d expected a gentle tail wind. I rode past MOD Longtown and recrossed the M6, where the road veered round to the right and headed into Gretna. I paused for a photo and video at the “Scotland Welcomes You” sign marking the border and continued on into Scotland, turning right after the A75 to Gretna Green and then left by Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop onto the B7076. This took me north through Kirkpatrick Fleming, Ecclefechan, Lockerbie and Johnstonebridge, closely following the main A74(M) and West Coast railway mainline, to join the A701 just south of Beattock. Bypassing Beattock, the road took me under the A74(M) and on into Moffat, where there was a Midsummer Market taking place. I stopped at the end of the High Street where a load of other cyclists told me that was where to find the Best Pizza and Kebab House, and I joined the queue and bought fish and chips. I ate these to the accompaniment of the band playing at the market, then headed off to what I knew was going to be the toughest climb of the trip, up to the Devil’s Beef Tub.

The name arose in the 16th century when it was frequently used by the Johnstones, a local reiving (rustling) family, to hide stolen cattle after a raid, the geography of the place meaning it was a good place to hide in. The climb up started immediately on leaving the town, and soon I was high up overlooking some beautiful scenery on my right in the valley of the River Annan. As I climbed more of the rolling hills opposite came into view, and looking back I could see down into Moffat. I could also see forward a fair way, and ahead there was a trail of winking red lights where other cyclists were also making their way up to the top. Further along, looking back I could also see a trail of white headlights of the cyclists who were following me. As I neared the summit of the climb I could hear the sound of bagpipes ahead, and I paused as I passed the piper to listen. It was quite exciting, if not a little surreal, to hear the sound of pipes in the late evening at the top of a steep climb.

It was shortly after 10pm that I reached the top of the climb. It certainly wasn’t dark at this point, although bike lights were certainly necessary to help others see you. There was a quarter moon out, but no stars were visible yet, it was too light for that. The road descended from here, giving an easy pedal along. I passed a car park for the source of the River Tweed, and continued descending with the river showing as a silvery thread on the right. I heard a bird crying out as I passed a small wood on my left, and wondered what it was, whether it was a bird of prey hunting or feasting. As I was descending, my body temperature was dropping as I no longer needed to work hard, and was glad for the merino top and Proviz gilet I’d put on at Moffat, although my hands were starting to feel quite chilly. It was definitely getting darker by now, although there was still a small area of the sky that showed where the sun had set. After a while I came to the Wee Crook Cafe, a scheduled stop where bananas, flapjacks and hot drinks were available, as well as a disco! I had a banana, a flapjack and a cup of tea, although I spilled a fair amount of the tea through my hands shaking because of the cold.

After a wee I got back on the bike, now with my long fingered gloves on top of my mitts to keep my hands warm, and set off again for the final stretch. The road changed to a more rolling nature, and after a long while seemingly in the middle of nowhere little hamlets and villages began to show themselves. I wondered what the occupants of the houses were doing, and what they would be thinking if they chanced to look out of their windows. I was passed by a few cyclists in singles and groups, and overtook a few myself. Although I’d been riding for over 70 miles and six hours I was feeling quite good, just slowing down when the road began to rise occasionally. I rode through Broughton, Blyth Bridge, Romannobridge, Lamancha and Leadburn, where I turned left on the A703 for Penicuik. This was a huge change from the preceding hours, with wide roads, lots of street lighting and shops, including a Tesco. Although there were far more buildings around now I still passed open fields on either side. Six miles later I rode across the City of Edinburgh Bypass and knew that the end point wasn’t too far away.

As soon as I crossed the bypass it was obvious I was in a built up area, with lots of side roads and houses either side of the street. I made sure I rode with other cyclists at this point for safety and security. There were a few cars and taxis about, although at no time did I feel under any threat of danger. Indeed, Edinburgh has a number of cycle lanes closed off by bollards which makes it easier to get through although there are the occasional potholes to be aware of. I passed through Buckstone, Comiston, Greenbank, Morningside, Bruntsfield and Fountainbridge. I rode past Edinburgh Castle, blissfully unaware of its presence in the city night. At Princes Street there were a few people out and about, presumably making their way home after a night out. Crossing the tramlines and heading onto Queensferry Street a man looked at us incredulously and yelled “It’s half past two in the morning!”. Queensferry Street became Queensferry Road, and the A90, and then a short stretch of dual carriageway before a right turn led us onto Cramond Road South, and I knew we were very near the end point now. Passing Lauriston Castle the buildings suddenly came to a stop and my first view of the Firth of Forth presented itself. In the very early light of the morning, with the hint of dawn on the horizon, it was a simply stunning view. Shortly after this I turned right onto Cramond Street North and then onto Cramond Glebe Road, turning into Kirk Cramond for the village hall, where food, toilets and goodies awaited. It was around 3am, I’d ridden 101 miles and was ready for a rest.

After a quick toilet trip I bought a bacon roll and cup of tea and sat down to enjoy them. I saw the young lady I’d helped earlier, glad to see that she’d made it to Edinburgh safely, and looking around the hall I saw several cyclists were sleeping, either in their seats or on the stage. At 4am the organisers came in to tell us that it was approaching sunrise, and I got back on the bike for the very short ride to Cramond Beach. The sky in the east was dark orange, and the high clouds promised a good sunrise. 

I’d brought a wee dram with me to toast my father and father-in-law, as it was Father’s Day, and had an emotional moment as I sipped my whisky. I grabbed a free beer that was being handed out and climbed onto the little grassy mound to watch the sun coming up. 4:26 came and went, and then the sun popped it’s head up on the horizon, a red-orange pin prick at first, then turning into an orange globe. It was a spectacular scene, worth all the previous effort. 

After a brief talk from the organisers it was time for everyone to disperse back to wherever they were going. I saw the two Alsager cyclists and had a brief chat with them before setting off back to Edinburgh Waverley train station for the train ride home.

I’d planned a route from Cramond to Waverley that would take me on a circular route to the station, and set off along Cramond Promenade into the rising sun, passing Silverknowes Beach. There were few people around, but plenty of gulls. I looked back at one point and got a view of the Forth Rail Bridge with the other bridges behind it, before passing Granton Harbour. Shortly after here I left the seafront and headed inland onto the Trinity Path, one of many former railway tracks now converted for walking / cycling around Edinburgh. 

This lead me onto the Chancelot Path and from here I turned left onto Warriston Path which became the Water of Leith path. This is named for the Water of Leith river which flows through Edinburgh and into the Forth at the Albert Dock. The water was very calm here, and the sky impressively blue so I had to stop for a photo.

At the end of the path I crossed the river and headed through Leith Links Park and Gardens, then past Seafield Cemetery to join Seafield Road, hopping onto the shared use pavement to avoid the road here before coming to Portobello Beach. I noticed several young people were walking away from the beach, and the music coming from the shore suggested a solstice party had been / was still taking place. I rode along the promenade, which despite being close to the sea was a little disappointing due to the proximity of industrial estates and houses. I left at Bellfield to cross the Sir Harry Lauder Way and east coast railway line, passing Portobello Golf Course and High School, crossing Milton Road and navigating through a few side streets to pick up the Innocent Cycle Path, running on the trackbed of the former Innocent Railway line. This was a lovely track, running through Jewel Park and passing Bawsinch and Duddingston Nature Reserve and then Arthur’s Seat to come to the Innocent Railway Tunnel, a short well-lit tunnel adorned with colourful graffiti. 

At the end of the tunnel I navigated a few more side streets and came to The Meadows and Soderberg Cafe. Unfortunately I was too early for it to be open so sat on a low wall outside chilling. When it did open I treated myself to a coffee and a couple of cinnamon buns before continuing on through the streets to Waverley Railway Station, and my train home. It had been a fabulous weekend of cycling, and in a good way it somehow seemed a lot longer than 24 hours since I’d woken at home and prepared to do my ride.

Roam Scotland Rally Reflections

After a short ride around Inverness on the Sunday I caught the train back to Edinburgh in the company of fellow Roamers Andrew and Tim, and then we caught the same train back down south. We chatted on the way, and after parting at Oxenhope and Preston I spent the rest of the journey reflecting on the previous seven days.

I had no preconceptions about the ride, other than seeing a few videos on You Tube, and was approaching it with a slight trepidation but much anticipation. I was hoping for some cracking scenery, which it delivered in spades. The days were very long, in a good way, due to the tremendous variety of terrains and scenery on offer, and this led to the week feeling very long as well. Edinburgh seemed days away on the Monday! In terms of the weather, the main thing was the cold temperatures, particularly in the latter part of the week. Yes, it rained, but not much, not for long and there was usually some sun to come afterwards to dry you off. The wind was not helpful as it seemed mostly north westerly, and given we were heading north north west for much of the time it was in our faces.

Overall the route was very rideable, with some wet and muddy places, some tough rocky tracks but a lot of good gravel and road. The hike-a-bike sections were necessary, and even if I had to stop pushing occasionally to get my breath it was an opportunity to take in the scenery and listen to the nature. My bike coped with everything I rode on, and gave me no trouble mechanically.

I generally prefer riding in my own company, but meeting with other Roamers on the trail throughout the day, or at cafes or campsites was great, and made you feel connected on the route. Everybody was friendly and helpful.

I dipped out on some challenging parts of the route some days as my body reacted to the efforts during week. I wasn’t disappointed or downhearted about this as I still saw plenty of good things on the route I did take anyway, and it was good to be able to be flexible as and when necessary without feeling judged.

There’s a few things to look at for next time – maybe look at using the MTB setting on my Garmin maps to avoid / reduce navigational issues, and perhaps consider a saddle pack rather than panniers. But that’s not to take anything away from what was an amazing and satisfying week of roaming. And will there be a next time? Oh yes, as long as my health holds you bet!