Our Lochs and Glens South Day 4 began with slightly cooler weather than previous days. We were quite thankful, for this was going to be a day with plenty of hill climbing.

This was always going to prove the most challenging day, and so it proved.

Leaving Newton Stewart we soon headed up our first hill of the day.

We entered Galloway Forest Park and started by cycling through Cree Woods.

Our first stop of the day was at the Glentrool Visitor Centre for a coffee. There weren’t too many options on today’s route and it would be a while until lunch.

We weren’t the only visitors!

Back on the road, we settled into a steady eight-mile climb.

Ian felt like a Tour De France champion when he had reached the top.

After a few more hills we reached the village of Crosshill.

This is an old weavers village.

Lunch was at the local shop cum Post Office. They served a fantastic vegetable soup.

Then it was up a sharp hill and over to Maybole.

A few more hills and finally we could look down on Ayr and the sea.

The cycle route brought us in along the esplanade where we stopped for a well-earned ice-cream.

We had cycled 47 miles and climbed over 3800 feet today.

You can view our Lochs and Glens South Day 4 route from Newton Stewart to Ayr below:

We were staying at the Inverlea Guest House. This would prove to be a fine place to stay. And it started off perfectly with a complimentary beer in the garden.

In the evening we walked up the road to No.22 Bar & Grill for an enjoyable evening meal.

Tomorrow we are off to Dalgarven.