Cycling routes
Long distance cycling routes
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the area there is a lot to see and do in Aberdeenshire. Cycling in Aberdeenshire is a healthy and enjoyable way of experiencing the area.
The following routes provide an opportunity to get fit, have fun and learn more about Aberdeenshire:
- Stonehaven and Mearns
- Deeside and Donside
- Inverurie and Bennachie
- Turriff, Fyvie and Formartine
- Peterhead and Central Buchan
- Banff, Fraserburgh and the North Coast
Series 1 - Stonehaven and Mearns
Among the many beautiful and interesting spots along these cycle routes you can enjoy the cliff top fortress at Dunnottar and the picturesque village of Fettercairn.
In Stonehaven you'll find a beautiful harbour, art deco open air swimming pool and great views of the North Sea.
Series 2 - Deeside and Donside
Cycling the routes in this area of Aberdeenshire promises to offer spectacular scenery and the opportunity to explore places of historical interest. You'll see Braemar the town Robert Louis Stevenson began writing Treasure Island while on holiday.
In Ballater you'll see the fine Victorian buildings with a backdrop of impressive mountains and forest. In Huntly there is Huntly Castle built in 1240. You can stand on the footbridge at the Falls of Feugh and watch salmon leaping or stop for lunch at Crathes Castle.
View Deeside, Donside and Strathbogie cycling routes (PDF 5.3MB).
Series 3 - Inverurie and Bennachie
Choosing to cycle these routes will take you to many stone circles, castles and views of Bennachie, Loch of Skene and nature reserves.
Bennachie is one of the best known and most popular places to visit in NE Scotland. For the energetic, there is a fairly strenuous walk up to one of the summits of Bennachie.
The hill has nine distinctive tops. Oxen Craig is the highest top at 528m. Mither Tap is the most prominent top and most popular with its two fort walls around the top.
Series 4 - Turriff, Fyvie and Formartine
You'll be impressed with what is on offer if you choose to cycle the following routes.
Take in the impressive gardens at Pitmedden House, the open space and wildlife at Sands of Forvie or take a look at the remains of the chapel at Delgatie Castle.
View Turriff, Fyvie and Formartine cycling routes (PDF 3MB).
Series 5 - Peterhead and Central Buchan
Horror fans who cycle the routes below will be thrilled to find Slains Castle which inspired Bram Stoker who stayed in a nearby hotel. Early drafts of Dracula had the famous vampire coming ashore at nearby Cruden Bay.
Aden Country Park is a great place to stop for a picnic. You can also relive the great days of steam trains at the former Maud Railway Station, now a museum.
View Peterhead and Central Buchan cycling routes (PDF 3.1MB).
Series 6 - Banff, Fraserburgh and the North Coast
Cycling the following routes offers the chance to enjoy great coastal views, beautiful harbours and experience the fishing and whisky distilling history of the north east of Scotland.
Stopping for tea and cake in the distinguished surroundings of Duff House near Banff might be the perfect way to end a day cycling.
View Banff, Fraserburgh and the North Coast cycling routes (PDF 4MB).