KPT Development Trust are delighted to once again be staging this year’s Kirkpatrick Macmillan (KM) Rally.
The event is a recreational cycling weekend with a wide range of led bike rides held over three days. Fittingly this event takes place in the birthplace of the bicycle, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s smiddy and grave are, in adjacent Keirmill.
Penpont and Keir in mid Nithsdale, will be central to all cycling, camping, catering, ceilidh and cake!
The area is surrounded by fantastic valleys and hills, and there’s a wide range of scenic led bike rides, with routes for all abilities.
The dates are set for 23-26 May 2025, with an action packed programme, both on and out of the saddle. The base for the event is Penpont village in the beautiful Mid Nithsdale hills. There’s three days of scenic and varied cycling routes planned alongside a social programme for the weekend. Each day offers a choice of routes from long to mid range and shorter easier slower paced rides. These should be suitable for people new to cycling or children cycling independently if they can manage a couple of hours riding and able to tackle some hills.
“Although in previous years The KM Rally has traditionally been for the more experienced cyclist enjoying longer routes. We aim to make the event more inclusive” explained Maureen Halkett, Chair of KPT Development Trust, “and providing these shorter routes to places of interest fits the bill”.
All rides will be led by qualified cycling leaders who know the area well.
There will be a camping field right in the heart of Penpont village, with showers and toilets on site. To book a plot or get a list of all the local accommodation providers please see information included on the Booking Notes for Guidance available on the KPT website at: www.kptdevelopmenttrust.org or get in touch with Michelle at: i[email protected].
A full onsite catering facility will be delivered by the Three Villages Community Cafe, Penpont. The meals will be served in the Penpont Gladstone Hall and can be booked using the pre-booking form available on the KPT website: www.kptdevelopmenttrust.org or get in touch with Michelle at: [email protected].
There will be activities each evening and we hope that locals and visiting cyclists will get a chance to meet and socialise over the weekend.
