IR6-The Tibetan Monastery Ride

A true back country ride through Eskdalemuir Forest to Samye Ling Monastery. This Tibetan Buddhist Monastery was set up in 1967 and was the first centre of its kind in the west. This is an easy to navigate out-and-back route through some truly stunning countryside. Lots of climbing but the gradients are not too steep.

We like…The Community hub café at the turn is cycling friendly. If it is shut has a drinking water tap out the back..

A long 15km gradual descent on the return seems to go on forever!  The Samye Ling Monastery grounds are open to visitors.

You pass the very friendly Bee Hive Cafe twice and a recommended stop off point.  See the signs. Its 100m off the road at the caravan site.

Watch out for… The road through the Eskdalemuir Forest is remote and you are unlikely to come across much traffic. Self-sufficiency required and watch out for pot-holes on the descent to Eskdalemuir.

• Distance: 95km
• Elevation gain: 1510m
• Fitness rating: 4/5
• Terrain: Rural country roads virtually traffic free and very remote.