Cycling and Mountain Biking
Mountain and Trail Biking
Scolty Hill
Scolty is on the outskirts of Banchory and forms the eastern end of the long forest of Blackhall. The Park is popular with bikers and walkers and has has four waymarked walks as well as lots of small paths. Scolty Wood is managed with the help of the local community through Scolty Woodland Park Association, . The ride can be extended through the Blackhall Loop to Shooting Greens on forest roads all the way. Good views of the Dee Valley to the north and the Feugh to the South.
Ride Information from Ecurie Neep
Forestry Commission information
Fetteresso
Fetteresso and Drumtochty are the biggest forests in the area and are suitable for short cycles or for a whole day. The multi-user route at Drumtochty is way marked white and offers two choices - a loop around Glen Bervie or a straight route through to join the other trails at Fetteresso.
Forestry Commission information
The Great Drumtochty Challenge is held each year in May in the forrests of Drumtochty and Fetterresso. The Challenge is a one day mountain bike orienteering competition based on the tried and tested "Polaris" format. Started in 1998 the event is rapidly gaining a following from mountain bikers from all over Scotland.
Durris
Set on a hill overlooking Deeside, Durris offers terrific views, and a gentle route without too many hills. The white trail follows forest roads with wide views north to the Dee Valley.
Other Rides in the Area:
Clachnaben
Kerloch
Pitfichie
Bennachie
Aboyne Fungle and Mount Keen Loop
North Ballater
Loch Muich
More Information:
Mountain Biking in Grampian
Trail Biking in Grampian
Leisure Cycling
The Deeside Way
This is the best family cycling venue in the area. Its a scenic walkway and cycleway which follows the route of the Deeside Railway line. Gradients are shallow and the route is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The Deeside Way is complete from Banchory to Aberdeen, but there is a break between Banchory and Dinnet before the final stretch to Ballater. This is a family favourite passing a number of attractions including the Royal Deeside Railway and Crathes Castle. Stop for scones at the Milton!
Cycling Routes Around Banchory (PDF) - Published by Banchory Pedallers
Cycle Grampian Information
Scolty, Fetteresso and Durris all offer trails suitable for leisure and family cycling.
Road Biking
The Banchory area is a very popular with road cyclists. The roads tend to have a relatively low volume of traffic and the views are terrific.
The Deeside Thistle Club is a very large bike club and has mid-week and Sunday runs from Banchory.
Road Cycling Routes in Grampian