Learn More, We have ~100 routes on our worldwide bikepacking routes map. Lochnagar is magnificent to the west and stands out as THE hill to climb for visitors to Deeside. With such a wide variety of trails on offer, you could bring anything from an XC bike to a full-bore enduro rig and still find trails to challenge the bike. Read the new issue of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine now. Choose from island hopping by bike in the Outer Hebrides, coast to coast Scotland, or MTB tours in Skye and Torridon. Overall difficulty is 6/10, with 8/10 for technical difficulty, 7/10 for physical demand, and 3/10 for logistics and resupply. Aberdeenshire and Moray have so many great spots for mountain biking that there is a problem of knowing where to start. The route picks out a bit of all of these, leaning towards the technical side of bikepacking. This guide covers an area of the Cairngorms National Park, to the south and west of Ballater, as far as Lock Muick and Balmoral. The ground conditions are dirt and rock, so good all-round tyres with a burly sidewall would be best to avoid pinch flats. Our perfect Ballater break would be to take in the iconic Loch Muick loop, spend a day on the short but exciting trails of Glen Tanar, take a trip around the Green Mile and of course spend a day on the great enduro trails around Ballater. The Tarland Trails are a fun distraction before some serious hike-a-bike puts you on a long ridge high above the Rivers Dee and Don. Learn More, As important as it is to have a reliable bike and pack as light as you can, choosing the right route is perhaps the key to your enjoyment. Hopefully our list of the best and most popular natural mountain bike routes, groomed fun parks and purpose built pump tracks below will give you some ideas. We believe travel by bicycle encourages conservation and inspires respect for people and cultures. Royal Deeside Maps. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. Be warned; you will undoubtedly want to pedal back for another go. Cycle Highlands and The Bike Station offer hire and advice on where to go. It’s easy to miss the North East of Scotland when planning a mountain biking trip – the Borders, Lochaber and the North West grab headlines but the hills of the Eastern Cairngorms are tucked away on the other side of the A9. This weekend route picks out technical and remote singletrack as it takes you through ancient pine forests and the heather and gorse covered hills of the Eastern Cairngorms. Mountain Biking Royal Deeside Trails & Guides Hire a Santa Cruz. The only thing separating us from eating the restaurant out of poppadoms was the iconic Heartbreak Ridge trail falling away into the valley ahead of us. Things to do and places to see in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire. Each day on this mountain bike tour, we spider out into the wilderness by bike or in the vehicle from the picture postcard Highland village of Braemar in Deeside to pick up sweet ribbons of singletrack, ancient drove roads and long forgotten tracks we’ve uncovered over the years. There are great MTB trails and loops right out of the door. Besides being accustomed to bad weather he's a specialist when it comes to steep and demanding trails. It’s not all easy going though, with payback in the form of miles of bog and landrover track before passing Ballater for the second time. There are also great pockets of local hand built enduro style trails throughout the area, in particular at Banchory, Aboyne, and Ballater. Visit this section to learn how to choose a route, and some insight into navigation. This is the final stage of the Deeside Trail; but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy one! Cycling and Mountain Biking. As we excitedly unloaded the test bikes in Ballater for our short-travel group test, we knew we were in for a treat. It passes through Upper Deeside with its Royal and highland estates, widening out as the land opens up, supporting some of the finest farmland in Scotland. If you love riding, Ballater should be high on your destination wish-list. From big Cairngorm classics to full bore white-knuckle enduro trails, we found it all in Royal Deeside It’s easy to forget Royal Deeside when planning a biking break to Scotland. This amazing access right also extends to those on bicycles, including eMTBs. Whether you’re looking for a cliff-top challenge or a quiet day out in the countryside, the Cairngorms National Park has a cycle route suitable for everyone. Canyon Spectral 29 CF 2021 in review – The perfect do-it-all bike. Map 2 – Cairn Leuchan & Mount Keen. We're open again! While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The bike shop is open for sales and demo by appointment: 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday 9am to 4pm Friday and Sunday. At Deeside Inn we are located opposite Cyclehighlands where you can hire bikes from £15 for a half-day. Click the link below to learn about each. The hills themselves are rounded and massive, eroded by glaciers in the last ice age. All the while, we felt like we were the only ones there, discovering a trail riding nirvana all to ourselves. Mountain Biking in Deeside , MTB in Deeside: Look up for prices, request your estimate and find the best offers in mountain bike hire in Deeside and mountain bike routes in Deeside.Mountain biking in Deeside is the perfect activity for birthday’s parties, corporate entertainment, team building, social events, weddings and original gifts. After some lunch in either the Brown Sugar or Bothy cafe, we would head over the road to climb back up to the ridgelines to the south of Ballater for a run down the rocky, Heartbreak Ridge. Together with his young family and two crazy dogs, you will almost always find him outdoors. There are a few peaks on the way; Craiglich, Blelack Hill, Sundayswells Hill, Craigenet, Hill … The Deeside Trail follows both banks of the River Dee as it flows from its source high on the sub-arctic Cairngorm plateau to the arable lowlands of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. In a quiet rural location, it’s an excellent spot for families, or those looking to get away from it all. The climbs and descents follow in quick succession, passing under the dark cliffs of Lochnagar and the Royal estate at Balmoral. The route aims to show off some of the best mountain biking and scenery in Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside. The Deeside Trail follows both banks of the River Dee as it flows from its source high on the sub-arctic Cairngorm plateau to the arable lowlands of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Deeside Thistle is a popular cycling club in the North East of Scotland. Digital & free: Santa Cruz Nomad CC 5 2021 in review – 27,5″ ain’t dead! Cick the link to see them plotted or select from the links to the right to filter. Mountain Biking Ballater is the place to head for mountain biking! Prices are expensive, but the atmosphere is authentic, and the food is sublime. Simply put, bikepacking is the synthesis of mountain biking and minimalist camping; it evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking, with the range and thrill of riding a mountain bike. If you need to hire a bike or need more info, pop in a see the team at Cycle Highlands in the centre of Ballater. Find Adam on Instagram @adamwwallace. We based ourselves in the small town of Aboyne, in the heart of Royal Deeside, staying with our friends from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. The area is packed full of big mountain riding opportunities in the heather covered hills and ancient pine forests. To get the most out of your trip we would recommend a 140-150 mm trail bike, especially if you want to venture into the Cairngorm range and explore the tougher enduro trails like Mastermind. They’re at their best on days when light and shade contrast sharply and the colours of the land are ever changing. Ballater and the Cairngorm would be an ideal location to bring a full-suspension eMTB. The estate is a haven for Scottish Wildlife with black grouse, pine martens, ospreys and crossbills, but most exciting is a resident pair of majestic Golden Eagles. Our brands Shop Online. The route follows the Dee westwards from Banchory where the Aberdeenshire hills slowly rise out of the farmland, 25 miles inland from Aberdeen. The new Specialized Hotwalk Carbon balance bike – Start early! Deeside Way - Banchory to Aboyne mountain biking trail in Aberdeenshire. As long as you respect the interests of other people, take responsibility for your own actions and care for the environment, you can ride almost anywhere in Scotland. Deeside Thistle operate regular club runs and other activities throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a cliff-top challenge or a quiet day out in the countryside, the Cairngorms National Park has a cycle route suitable for everyone. Explore Santa Cruz View New. The final climb up the Hill of Fare rewards you with an almost full length view of the route you’ve just done, and a final descent down back to the River Dee to finish. Browse Catalogue . Though he was born in England, he believes he should have been Scottish. The River Dee is the heart of the area, starting at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the Cairngorms Plateau and giving its character to the land as it flows 90 miles eastwards to meet the North Sea at Aberdeen. Please note, this trail is not to be confused for The Deeside Way. The route borrows slightly from the Round of Alford by Gordon Watt and also overlaps briefly with the Cairngorms Loop route near Braemar. Instead, bike tourists are drawn to the more popularised riding spots like the Tweed Valley, Fort William and Skye, but that would be a mistake. From mountain bike trails to on-the-road cycling routes, cycling in Scotland offers you an opportunity to embrace the sights, sounds and smells of this lush landscape. Route Development: The route was developed in 2016 as a mountain bike ITT route, following along the lines of the Capital Trail, Cairngorms Loop, and Highland Trail 550. The area around Ballater, on Royal Deeside, is perfect for mountain biking and walking. Bike Shop & Workshop. Start Here, Broadly speaking, there are three bikepacking genres to choose from – Multi-day Mountain Biking, Ultralight Race & Gravel, and Expedition & Dirt Touring. “What, all the way down there?” There’s something special about descending an open ridgeline, knowing that gravity will be your friend right to the valley floor. Some folk get that ear to ear smile from riding their mountain bikes cross country or down hill, others from freestyle riding in the woods, others from just being out there in the wilds. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Perfect for Families. Instead, bike tourists are drawn to the more popularised riding spots like the Tweed Valley, Fort William and Skye, but that would be a … Trevor loves adventure. There’s only one small distillery in the area, Royal Lochnagar, but it produces a fine lightly peated single malt. Ballater lies just a stone’s throw from some real Scottish classics, Mount Keen, Loch Muick and Cairn Luechan to name but a few, and is also home to passionate teams of local builders handcrafting superb enduro style trails in the forests. Map 1 – Glen Muick. Three routes are highlighted on the map and described on the reverse. 14.7 km green dirt/gravel road trail. The erosion by ice and water left behind wide glens between 1,000-meter high peaks and narrow gullies cutting down the hillsides. If your budget is more VW than Bentley we would highly recommend the Spider On A Bicycle cafe in Aboyne, the coffee is top-notch, the food is great and the staff are super welcoming. View All Features. For classic adventures, bikepacking and multi-day explorations why try the 140-mile Deeside Trail. Scotland's Santa Cruz Superstore. You’re soon on a singletrack rollercoaster and passing Pictish standing stones at Loch Kinord. Like the area itself, you have to put a bit of effort in to get there, but the reward is more than worth it. Starting on a bridge over the River Dee, the first half of the route picks out singletrack descents on ancient drove roads like the Fungle Trail and through Caledonian pinewood in the National Nature Reserve at Glen Tanar. The area offers the option of road touring, to challenging mountainous routes for mountain biking. Whisky, riding his bike and everything in between. Copyright © 2020 ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine. list; poi; map; Mountain Bike. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. Ballater and the surrounding hills have become a mecca for mountain bikers looking to explore Aberdeenshires growing network. During our trip, we stayed in the Glen Tanar estate. (his son) are inscribed on his top tube as a gentle warning against unruly riding. Also included is the Mounth Road leading to Mount Keen, and the Firmouth and Fungle Roads. Traditions are strong in the area; especially poetry, music and the Doric language, plus the villages along the Dee still host their annual Highland Games each summer. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. In this feature story, Ben Page offers a reminder of the value of getting out on shorter, simpler trips, instead of getting wrapped up in planning something big... Adam started mountain biking as something to do in winter when there wasn’t enough snow for skiing. The area around Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park is perfect for both mountain biking and walking. If you have deep pockets, one dining experience that should not be missed is the Clachan Grill Steak House. This is the story of Ballater, a hidden jewel in Scotland’s highland crown. We would like to extend our thanks to Will at ‘Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland‘ for his excellent trail chat and help in making this trip possible. As a reminder of his new role as a father, the words “Think about Brook." Time it for sunset and it will be the perfect finish to a great trip. They have a fleet of hire bikes and the local knowledge to ensure you ride the best trails during your stay. Scotland is twice named the World's Best MTB destination and our guided mountain bike trips have 150+ 5 … Our trip covered locations in the Cairngorms and Royal Deeside, each within a 1 hour and 20 minute drive of one another War Memorial Buildings in Aboyne on the Deeside Way, part of the SUSTRANS network of off-road cycle routes. All interests are supported from road-racing, time-trialling, track, mountain-biking, cyclocross and touring. However, being Scotland, the weather can change in minutes so it’s always important to pack accordingly. Mountain Biking. Nonetheless, demonstrating that you can teach an old dog new tricks, he continues to hold his own against the wild and fearless youth. Cycling We are surrounded by miles and miles of quiet country roads so bring your bike and go exploring! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We were in a race against time. This is definitely a route for a mountain bike, but you could use a gravel bike if you like punishment. Braemar offers a chance for a resupply, before passing Mar Lodge and starting the mid section of the route. Nestled between Aberdeen and the Cairngorms National Park, we offer mountain bike coaching at our local trail centres and guided rides across Royal Deeside glens and mountains or explore the Donside beautiful hills and secret gems. There are many great trails and classic loops that start within a half hours drive from Ballater that will take you deep into the Cairngorm mountain ranges, routes such as the Loch Muick circuit which makes a cracking day out on an eMTB if you are frugal on the battery. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Hill of Fare. In 2003 a legislation was passed that granted ‘freedom to roam’, giving open access to the paths of hills and valleys to anyone who wants to explore them. Bankhead Steading Fabulous Family Holiday Home in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire book now Our Cottage Your Scottish Rural Retreat Home from Home. Adventure seekers and those looking for access to nature will find more welcome in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. Mountain Biking. Map 3 – Glen Tanar and The Deeside Way from Aboyne to Dinnet. Hillwalking, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Castles, Distilleries, Highland Games Map 4 – The Deeside Way from Dinnet to Ballater. We provide inspiration and information through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of gear, news, and events that help our community thrive. There’s quite a bit of climbing and the odd bit of hike-a-bike, but to counter this, you’re rarely far from re-supply and a bailout route. View The Classics, The Bikepacking Journal is our printed collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography.Find details here alongside a growing collection of web exclusive features... Have one to share? More detail on the route is hosted at Bikepacking.com. The local trail advocacy group, the Aberdeenshire Trail Association, reckons that there are over 400 kilometers of rideable mountain bike trails in Aberdeenshire and some of these are real Scottish classics; day rides and multi-day epics over Munros. Explore Juliana View New. Located about 15 minutes drive from the village of Ballater, the working estate has eight bike-friendly luxury cottages that sleep between 2 and 8 people. to support us & get The Bikepacking Journal. Adam is normally stuck in front of a computer all day so loves getting out to be a classic weekend warrior. A race not against a stopwatch or STRAVA, but for a dinner reservation at the ‘Indian on the green’ restaurant. You cannot go wrong in Ballater; all the cafes we dropped into were welcoming and served up some great food. Fortunately logistics is quite easy with frequent supply stops and bail out routes except for the long section from Braemar back to Ballater. Despite this, along much of the route you’re unlikely to see anyone else for hours. Full of Life. Browse. This weekend route picks out technical and remote singletrack as it takes you through ancient pine forests and the heather and gorse covered hills of the Eastern Cairngorms. Imagine how you'll feel off road mountain biking across Scottish Munros, immense loch's, heathry moors, ancient forests, great estates and wide sandy expanses. The last section from Tarland to the finish has a lot of climbing and shouldn’t be underestimated. Rob joins in for a day and helps keep us moving! View The Map, There are some routes that are made classic by their sheer perfection, and others by races. Ballater and the surrounding area would make a great stop on any Scottish MTB road trip, with enough trails to easily give 4-5 days of varied fun. Ben Avon and Beinn A Bhuird, two of the most easterly Cairngorms, round off a spectacular panorama. The route can be done in any way you want, whether in a group, individually, fully supported or completely unsupported. It’s easy to forget Royal Deeside when planning a biking break to Scotland. Many of the climbs are sustained and can involve up to an hour of pushing. Mount Keen, the most easterly Munro, is only a stones throw away. It’s also an ideal starting point for many Cairngorm epics – classic routes that have challenged riders for many generations. Deeside Trail. It had been hard work getting to the summit of the ridge, but we had timed it perfectly for the setting sun. Racing men and women from the Club are respected throughout the country and have competed at all levels from Club events to the Commonwealth Games and Olympics. As we dropped in, hooting and hollering in the dying light, little did we know that we were about to experience a trail of such quality that it would be retold many times over beers with friends. Deeside Bike Collective - Banchory MTB CAT 1 message Will Clarke
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