Louise Booth
Host of Logie Newton Farm, Lodges and Events and experienced road cyclist
2018 was my ‘year of cycling’. I cycled over 5,000 miles between January to September, as I trained for, and then completed, my Tour O’ Scotland - a 1,018 mile cycle round Scotland in 12 days.
Having completed 95% of these miles in Scotland (and mainly in Aberdeenshire) it is safe to say I have experienced a lot of Aberdeenshire by bike.
Aberdeenshire is a stunning area for road cycling - from the rolling farmland hills to the dramatic coastlines to the mountainous Cairngorms.
But it isn’t just the scenery that makes cycling routes in Aberdeenshire so special. It is the well maintained, relatively quiet roads that add that extra “wow” factor to any cycle.
My top 6 Aberdeenshire cycling route choices
We are spoilt for choice in North East Scotland – it really is an area with some of the best cycling routes.
But I’ve narrowed it down to the top 6, including my most memorable cycle routes in Aberdeenshire, and bike rides with a lasting impression from both a scenic and/or challenging point of view.
Read on for:
- key details about some of Aberdeenshire’s iconic rides
- "must-capture" photo moments
- the nitty-gritty of some Strava-worthy climbs and descents
- and suggestions for coffee and cake stops along the way.
The Cabrach
If you want to experience the remoteness of the Cairngorms on a road bike, The Cabrach is the place to go. On the Northern edge of the Cairngorms, The Cabrach can be found on the border of Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Approaching The Cabrach from Aberdeenshire, you start at Rhynie on the East side as you make the 6 mile cycle to the top with the first proper ramp around 1.5 miles into the cycle.
With an average gradient of 2.3% you make your way through the remote and sparsely populated area. Once a thriving community of around 1,000 people, the population now is around 100. It’s difficult to describe how remote this area is. It is definitely a place that is best to be experienced in person.
Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the winding descent into Moray where you can visit the historic town of Dufftown.
Dufftown cycling stop tip
If you head out past the Glenfiddich Distillery to the railway station, you will find the Sidings Café consisting of converted train carriages. They’ve got a great selection of light bites to fill you up for the next part of your ride. Check their seasonal opening times before setting off.
The River Deveron
The River Deveron starts in the Ladder Hills between Glenbuchat and The Cabrach and travels 60 miles from the peaty heather covered country down into the rolling farmland hills before meandering its way to the mouth between Banff and Macduff. Known for its Atlantic salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing, there are many beautiful stretches along its course.
My favourite view spots are on the stretch between Bridge of Marnoch and Fortrie, via Inverkeithny.
Must capture photo memory
As you head towards Inverkeithny, there is a point where you can look down through the valley and watch the Deveron meander its way towards Turriff.
Then you head through Inverkeithny and head up through the wood lined hill. When you reach the top I always have to pull over every time and take a moment to appreciate what is around me and Iook back towards Bridge of Marnoch or east towards Turriff.
You never know, you may also meet one of the locals who can share many a tale of the land too.
Tip for non-cycling family or friends
There is a small car park and picnic bench on the opposite side of the road, so you can always arrange to meet for a picnic so everyone can make the most of the views.
The Suie
The Suie is a well-known hill near the village of Clatt and is extremely popular with all the local Aberdeenshire cycling clubs. Depending what category of climb you wish will determine whether you plan to tackle from the “the south” or “the north”.
From “the south” you approach the Suie climb from Tullynestle Hall with the 2.7 mile climb starting at the junction for Terpersie Castle. The first 1.4 miles has a gradual climb before you get a very short downhill break as you turn to head up the next part of the climb. My top tip is to always keep alert on this corner as you never know when a peacock might be found crossing the road.
Once you turn this corner, the climb to the top starts to increase, reaching a max of 15.5%. As you come over the summit, the views of Aberdeenshire open up in front of you and should not be missed. Take care on the north descent, especially as you take the 90 degrees left handed corner approximately half way down.
From “the north” you start from the village of Clatt, heading along a relatively flat section until you reach the junction for Auchleven, where the 1.3 mile Strava category 3 climb gradually begins. As you reach the trees, on each side of the road, the gradient hits you with a steep ramp reaching a maximum gradient of 22.5%! The gradient eases off to an average of 8% until you reach a 90 degree right hand corner where the gradient increases to 12%, ensuring those leg muscles get a good work out. This gradient continues before it eases back off to around 7% as you approach the car park at the summit.
Tip for those taking “the north” Suie cycle route
Before heading down, make sure to take a moment at the top and enjoy the views back down over Clatt and beyond. It really is one of the most spectacular sights and one less well known than the likes of those from Bennachie. Although this is the most challenging of the two routes, continuing on down the south side allows for a lovely long descent, making the climb worthwhile in my books.
"At the summit of the Lecht, the views are unrivalled by any other cycle route in Scotland"
Louise Booth
The Lecht
The Lecht - the mountain I learnt to ski on as a child. I have many fond memories of days where the schools were closed due to snow, yet I could find half of my class were able to make it up to the mountains to practise our snow ploughs.
At the summit of the Lecht, the views are unrivalled by any other cycle route in Scotland.
Similar to the Suie, there is the choice to ascend from the South or the North. Personally, I have only cycled up once and that was from the North, however it is the South ascent that is known to be the monster of a climb.
The south climb starts from Cock Bridge, a little village near Corgarff Castle. Make sure to grab a picture next to the iconic Cock Bridge sign, assuming it has not been stollen at the time of your visit. At the start of the climb you are hit with a 20% ramp, the steepest section of the climb. You then continue to climb as you pass the snow gates and as you come out through the trees, keep an eye for the Watchers on your left. These are four hand-crafted sculptural iron seats providing shelter from the wind, and stunning views over the Cairngorms. As you continue your climb to the ski resort, surrounded by moorland and heather, you will experience two descents which will give your legs a short rest on the way.
A warning for those attempting The Lecht by bike
This road is exposed and open to the elements so ensure to pick your day and be prepared for all weathers.
My Lord’s Throat
My Lord’s Throat is a spectacular stretch of road between Monymusk and Keig, which follows the course of the River Don.
Nestled at the bottom of Bennachie, this 6.2 miles tree lined route has many picturesque photo stop opportunities along the way. Within this route is the Aberdeenshire Ascents My Lord’s Throat challenge, a 0.75 mile climb averaging 6.5%. Not as challenging as the likes of The Cabrach, Lecht and Suie climbs, this is one that can easily be bagged and the beauty of the area definitely takes your attention away from the burning sensation in the legs.
There are two amazing café stops on this route. Not too far from the Monymusk end is the Chapel of Garioch Old Post Office Café which has a lovely garden area perfect for a summers day. At the other end, if you pop into Alford I can recommend the Alford Bistro.
The beauty of this iconic Aberdeenshire cycle route
I have lost count how many times I have cycled this route, in both directions, and still I am amazed by its beauty. My favourite time of year has to be Autumn when the leaves are changing colour and you feel like you are cycling under a golden arch.
The Buchan Coast
If you are looking to enjoy the rugged Aberdeenshire coast line, then I highly recommend taking the coastal road from Macduff to Fraserburgh. This stretch was incorporated into day one of my Tour O’ Scotland and it is absolutely stunning.
Don’t be fooled by the idea of a flat coastal cycle as this route has many a hill to ensure your legs get a good work out on the way. For those wishing to bag some Strava segments, you have plenty to choose from.
As you travel along this road you will pass the village of Pennan, a rugged little village situated at the foot of the cliff which was made famous as it was used as the backdrop to Bill Forsyth’s movie blockbuster, Local Hero. Don’t forget to make a call from the iconic phone box where oil executive Mac would connect to his Texas HQ, and drop his coins in when he heard the pips! You can then take the quarter of a mile climb, averaging 9.8%, back out of the village and up onto the main road.
And as if that photo opportunity wasn’t enough on this…
Keep your eyes peeled too as you may spot some highland cows grazing in the fields as you pass by.
Logie Newton Lodges cycling guides for cycle routes in Aberdeenshire
Guests staying at Logie Newton Lodges will have access to a cycling guide book containing multiple cycling route options ranging from 5 miles to 100+ miles. Each route starts and finishes at Logie Newton Lodges, taking you on a tour of Aberdeenshire and Moray by bike. There will be files available to easily download so that you can pop your chosen route onto your bike computer and head off on your way. A number of the routes incorporate one or more of the above highlighted areas.
As you can see we have a variety of routes to keep the cycling enthusiast and the leisure cyclist entertained and if you base yourself here, at Logie Newton Lodges, I will be more than happy to help you plan the best routes suitable for your needs.
Happy pedalling, Host Louise.
