From Locharbriggs head north on Local NCR 10, climbing steadily through Ae village up to the summit (277 metres) at the T-junction with the unclassified road to Auldgirth (just beside the small loch Ettrick). The aptly named Windyhill burn is parallel to the road shortly after Ae, Scotland's newest village.

Turn left at this junction and descend southwestwards through Croalchapel, Kirkpatrick and then turn left on a short 1-mile section of the A76 to Auldgirth. There is a section of pavement that is possible to use, and after Auldgirth there is a strip marked on the road (although it's not wide enough to be a cycle lane).

Leaving Auldgirth turn left onto the quiet road leading through Dalswinton and passing Duncow, returning to the A701. Turn right briefly southwards on the A701, then sharp left back to access the cyclepath to return to Locharbriggs.

The outward section from Locharbriggs to Sowen's Knowe is a steady climb. The return from that point is mainly descent, apart from a short moderate climb up and over Whitepots hill (just before reaching the A76), and another short climb just after leaving the A76 on the road to Dalswinton.