Aberdeen Cycle Routes
National Cycle Network Route 1 passes through the city and provides the opportunity for some excellent coastal cycling. The expansive Kirkhill Forest is also near the city. Here you'll find a number of good mountain bike trails where you can test your off road skills.
Also of note is the epic Formartine and Buchan Way. This shared cycling and walking trail starts just to the north of Aberdeen in Dyce. It follows a dismantled railway line to Fraserburgh with some splendid scenery on the way.
Regional route 195 heads off to the west along the River Dee towards Banchory. Here there are number of attractions to visit including Drum Castle, Crathes Castle and the beautiful Falls of Feugh.
Pictured above a sign for the South Spur Cycle Route in Kirkhill Forest and a view of cyclists on National Cycle Network route 1 at Cookney. This section between Aberdeen and Stonehaven avoids the busy B979 by keeping to back lanes. The group of cyclists here are participating in the 3rd Grampian Cycle Rally in May 2006.
Use the links to view full route information including elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads.
| Route Name | Photo | Distance | Description |
| Aberdeen to Maud | 36 miles (58 km) | Follow National Cycle route 1 and the splendid off road Formartine and Buchan Way cycle track from Aberdeen to Maud on this lovely ride which gives great views of the River Don and passes by Haddo Country Park and country park. View Full Details>> | |
| Aberdeen to Stonehaven | 26.7 miles (43 km) | This ride follows National Cycle Route 1 along the North Sea coast from Aberdeen to Stonehaven. The start of the ride is particularly lovely as you head through the impressive port of Aberdeen and around the splendid Bay of Nigg. You continue south through Cove Bay and Findon, where there are some truly beautiful coastal views. View Full Details>> | |
| Formartine and Buchan Way | 53.4 miles (86 km) | A super off road cycling and walking trail through Aberdeenshire following a dismantled railway line. The route runs from Dyce to Fraserburgh with an optional section to Peterhead. Highlights on the route include Aden Country Park where you will find the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, forest walks and a ruined country house. The path also passes the peaceful Pitfour Lake, the 13th century ruined abbey at Deer Abbey (see video), the Strichen White Horse and the ancient Strichen Stone Circle. View Full Details>> | |
| Kirkhill Forest | 7 miles (11.2 km) | This forest near Aberdeen has some good walking paths and mountain bike trails to try. There's also a series of hills to climb with great views over the surrounding area. You can start your exercise from the car park at the south eastern corner of the forest, just off the A96. Head west and then north and you can climb to Tyrebagger Hill at a height of 306m. On the top of the hill you will find a viewing tower with a spiral stairway. Climb to the top for fine, far reaching views over Aberdeenshire. From Tyrebagger Hill you continue to the Hill of Marcus before descending to easier woodland trails. Use the open street map link below to see the mtb trails mapped out. View Full Details>> |
