This has all that a cyclist dreams of

May 15 2008 By Paul Lamarra

Cycle: Biggar, Skirling, Candy Mill and Elsrickle.

Distance: 14 miles.

Grade: moderate.

Map: OS Landranger 72.

LEAFY lanes, a ford, pretty villages and fine views of Tinto hill all come together on this short cycle loop and it is only the cyclist, entirely exposed to the scent of spring blossom and such sounds as the bleating of new lambs, who can truly indulge in what can be fairly described as a rural idyll.

The route starts in Biggar and from there takes in Skirling, Candy Mill, Elsrickle and Quothquan.

Skirling is easily reached by following the B7016 east, then after 1½ miles turning left to follow the lane into Skirling.

With its village green, Skirling has a very English feel to it. Surrounded by low-slung cottages and overhung with mature broad-leaved trees, it is nevertheless a very appealing innovation and should be replicated throughout Scotland.

Skirling House, overlooking the southern edge of the green, contributes further to this idyllic country scene. Built in 1908 for Lord Carmichael in the Arts and Crafts style, it incorporates many quaint features such as brass lamps and a hand pump.

The house is now an award-winning B&B of national renown.

Leave Skirling by the lane that climbs away from behind the war memorial. The downhill that follows is steep in places and lying at the bottom, just out of sight, is a ford through the Candy Burn.

The ford should be approached slowly as the road surface below the water is cobbled and slippery. There is, however, a narrow footbridge for those who want to be sure of keeping their feet dry.

Beyond the ford turn right onto the A702 and follow it for half-a-mile. Leave the A702 at the next left and follow this pleasantly undulating road to the junction with the A721 at Elsrickle.

Turn left onto the A721, then take the next left.

A fast descent follows but do not get carried away and go all the way to the bottom of the hill. Instead, turn right and follow the level road to a T-junction.

It is from this road that the views of Tinto hill are most impressive.

Turn left onto the B7016 and then after 100 yards turn right onto Shieldhill Road, signed for Thankerton and Quothquan.

The now tree-lined lane continues past the Shieldhill Hotel into Quothquan. Take the left fork at the red telephone box and follow road to a T-junction.

Turn left through a loose collection of houses known as Cormiston. Beyond Cormiston the road descends very steeply.

As the road levels out turn to the left for Biggar. Follow this straight and more or less level road for the final two miles into Biggar.

MORE cycle trips can be found in Bike Lanarkshire, available from bookshops or by sending a cheque for £9.95 plus £1 P&P to the Rural Development Trust, 1 Powell Street, Douglas Water, ML11 9PP or buy online at www.madeinlanarkshire.com