Best Route Between Newton Stewart and Ayr

Stewart P

We are visiting Scotland in May with our caravan and are booked first at Garlieston followed by Ayr Craigie Gardens as part of our trip. Looking at the routes between Newton Stewart and Ayr and looking on Google Maps I'm not sure what is the best road when towing a caravan and wondered whether anyone who is familiar with the area or has travelled between the two sites can recommend which is the best route to take. I would rather take longer and travel further to keep on wider better roads.

Peter

nelliethehooker

Personally I'd use the A712 to New Galloway and then the A713 through to Ayr. If you think the first part is not to your liking you could use the A75 from N S to the Castle Douglas roundabout and then the A713 all the way. We have just come down it, from Craigie Gardens, and it's fine for towing. I can't remember what the A714 from N S to Girvan is like but from there the A77 is the major coastal route. Hope this helps.

KjellNN

I would follow the A75  towards Stranraer, then pick up the A77 to Ayr.

There are other routes, but the A77 is the better road.

Stay on the A77 till you come to the big roundabout where the A70 takes you in towards Ayr, then continue to the roundabout with the A79 where you head  north on the A79 for a short distance, then follow the directions in the Club handbook.

Or, to avoid more of the town, stay on the A77 till you find the A719 and head into Ayr on it.  Further to drive though.

Stewart P

Thanks for the advice. I'd dropped the little yellow man in google maps onto some of the roads and they didn't look very good in some places. I think I'll head up the A75 towards Stranraer and then pick up the A77 along the coast, it's longer but looks to be the better road and should be a pleasant drive with views out to sea.

Fairliered

We live in Ayrshire and often visit Garlieston. We always use the A712 to New Galloway then the A713 to Ayr. When you get to New Galloway, stay on the A712 and join the A713 at the Ken Bridge Hotel, rather than the A762 signposted Ayr. It’s only about a mile longer and misses out a narrow bit of road. We used the A714 to Girvan once and once only. It’s very slow and twisty. 

Enjoy Garlieston. Try for a harbourside pitch unless you need an awning pitch.

Van Bears

Which is the best route to Newton Stewart (en route to Garlieston) when coming from Glasgow?  Do we have to take the coast road or is one of the inland roads "do-able" with a caravan?

Thanks

Sue

KjellNN

We live just NW of Glasgow, when we went to Garlieston we took the M77 out of Glasgow in the direction of Kilmarnock and Ayr.  This becomes the A77 and only follows the coast once you pass Ayr.

When you get near Stranraer you take the A75.