The best cycling routes around Dunscore

The Devorgilla Bridge (also known as Old Bridge) in Dumfries is one of Scotland's oldest surviving bridges. It spans the River Nith and dates back to a wooden bridge endowed around 1260 by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway. The present stone bridge mainly dates from the 15th century and has been rebuilt several times after flood damage. Originally it had nine arches, today six remain. Directly beside the bridge stands the historic Old Bridge House, one of the oldest houses in Dumfries. For hikers and history enthusiasts, the bridge is a landmark of Dumfries and a beautiful viewpoint over the River Nith.

Closes at 4.00 p.m.

The pedestrian bridge is one of the oldest in Scotland. Built in 1432, it crosses the River Nith in the town center and offers scenic views.

Not quite the middle of nowhere but you can see it from here.

One of the oldest standing bridges in Scotland crosses the River Nith in Dumfries. Devorgilla Bridge is also sometimes known as Devorgilla's Bridge or the Old Bridge and is named after Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway, the mother of King John Balliol. All the land to the west of the River Nith traditionally formed part of Galloway, which only truly became part of Scotland during Alexander II's reign in the 1230s. Dumfries was therefore a frontier town for much of its early history and had grown up on the east side of a ford that provided the lowest crossing point of the River Nith. By 1186 the town was sufficiently well established to be made a Royal Burgh. According to some sources the first bridge was built across the River Nith at Dumfries during the 1260s by Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway. No trace of this bridge has ever been found, and if it existed at all it seems very likely that it was made of wood. There is rather more evidence for the immediate predecessor of the bridge you see today. Construction began on a stone bridge in about 1430, and a papal indulgence of 1432 recorded the Pope's approval for a call for subscribers to pay for the completion of the bridge. This bridge survived for a little under two centuries before being partially destroyed in a major flood in 1620 or 1621. Once more accounts differ, but it seems that the east half of the bridge was swept away and what was left might well have been severely damaged. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dumfries/devorgillabridge/index.html

This route takes you through sheep pastures, so keep this in mind if you are taking your dog. Also make sure you have good footwear. Halfway along the route, take a moment to stand still and take in the surroundings.

Built in 1881 the church is one of the few remaining examples of ‘tin’ churches that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The owner of the Dalswinton Estate at the time, Mrs McAlpine-Leny, was unhappy with the larger Kirkton Parish Kirk and so bought her own for Dalswinton. At the first service, 300 people attended! These churches were made in kit form in Edinburgh and Glasgow and exported overseas as well as being used frequently in Scotland. Corrugated iron buildings were frequently used at this time in new and remote communities especially, due to the material’s quick and inexpensive qualities. The six-bay church has Gothic windows and a bellcote with a steep spire at the east gable. There is a small porch at the north-east corner. The interior of the church is timber-lined, and features original pitch-pine pews, pulpit and panelling, and has an open roof. A chancel was formed between a vestry and laird’s pew at the west end. Stained glass windows were added in 1950 and 1975. The earlier window is a one-light window of David, while the 1970s one is a semi-abstract window, with scenes of King David.

15th Century pedestrian bridge with lovely views over the River Nith. Steps on one side but they're easy to push your bike up or down, then you can ride over the rest of the bridge. Worth stopping for the view though.