Saddle up for new Ayrshire coast cycling breaks 

One of Ayrshire's leading hotels has launched new cycling breaks and a cycle hire service on the west coast of Scotland.

Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes Hotel & Spa near Irvine has gained its reputation as the region's award-winning luxury spa and wellness destination, offering spa and leisure breaks to visitors from around the UK and beyond. 

New for 2024, The Gailes has now introduced a cycle hire service with a choice of recommended routes to help visitors get active and explore the Ayrshire coast and countryside. 

As part of The National Cycle Network, a selection of routes ranging from two to 22 miles allow visitors of all ages and abilities to explore Ayrshire for between three and 12 hours with the new cycle hire service now available at The Gailes. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can now saddle up with hybrid bikes for casual rides or exploring the nearby cycle routes. Electric bikes also allow visitors to take their two-wheel adventure to the next level with effortless pedalling. Cycle safety helmets are also included with the bike hire at The Gailes. 

Heading south from The Gailes, National Cycle Network 7 (NCN 7) provides links to the South Ayrshire towns of Barassie, Troon, Prestwick and Ayr. This route is 90 per cent traffic free and takes in spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. All These routes are mostly flat and are suitable for beginners through to more experienced cyclists. 

Heading north from The Gailes, National Cycle Network 7 (NCN 7) links to Irvine town centre with a number of options to continue the journey to Kilmarnock, Eglinton Park, Kilwinning, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Ardrossan, Seamill and Largs.  These locations are on cycle paths that are 99 per cent traffic free and offer views of the Isle of Arran, as well as the River Irvine and Garnock River.

All the main towns along these routes also have direct train links back to Irvine and Barassie for those who prefer not to cycle back to the hotel.  If travelling from Ardrossan, Saltcoats or Stevenston, cyclists will need to change trains at Kilwinning to reach Irvine or Barassie. 

Janette Mitchell is Travel Smart Ambassador for SimpsInns at The Gailes. She said:

“We're really excited to be offering our visitors a new way to create their own two-wheel adventure on the North Ayrshire coast in 2024. Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, the region is easily accessible by public transport and offers fantastic coastal and countryside scenery, all within easy reach of The Gailes in Irvine. 

“People can now get active and enjoy a range of cycle routes that will allow them to get off the beaten track and discover what the North Ayrshire coast has to offer. Cyclists are also able to plan their own routes in manageable sections and explore the North Ayrshire coast and countryside at their own pace.”

SimpsInns is working with North Ayrshire Council as part of its Travel Smart programme to help promote cycling in the region.

Janette added:

“As part of our new cycle hire facility and cycling breaks in 2024, we're delighted to be working with North Ayrshire Council to encourage our visitors to think about more sustainable and eco-friendly ways to travel.”

The Gailes Hotel & Spa is part of Ayrshire's leading leisure and hospitality group, SimpsInns. The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride and Old Loans Inn at Troon. 

Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, including over £3.5 million at The Gailes and over £300,000 at Si! Ayrshire with the launch of The Potting Shed and The Terrace restaurants in 2023. The group has further investment planned at both The Waterside and Old Loans Inn in 2024.

For more information on cycling breaks at The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Ayrshire, go to  https://gaileshotel.com/leisure/bike-hire

For more information on cycling and cycle paths in North Ayrshire and to plan your route, go to www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/outdoor-activities/cycling-and-cycle-paths.aspx

Follow The Gailes Hotel & Spa on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/GailesHotel and Instagram https://instagram.com/thegailes

For more information on the SimpsInns Group, visit www.simpsinns.com

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