The best road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest
4.6
(79)
1,931
riders
236
rides
Road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest traverse a landscape characterized by prominent hills, including Oxen Craig at 528m and Mither Tap at 518m. The area features granite tors, heather moorland on upper slopes, and a mix of coniferous and deciduous woodlands at lower elevations. Undulating farmland and the River Don also contribute to the varied terrain, offering panoramic views across Aberdeenshire. This region provides diverse road cycling opportunities for various abilities.
Best road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest
- The most…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.5
(2)
19
riders
23.3km
01:05
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
15.4km
00:55
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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60
riders
31.3km
01:26
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
19
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
18
riders
19.3km
00:48
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
This place closes on the 12th of October for the winter and will reopen in the spring (April). Run by a very nice lady.
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A great parkrun route, all flat, primarily on tarmac path. All through the park away from roads. A lovely spot by the river.
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The memorial here commemorates the battle of Inverurie that took place in 1745 during the Jacobite uprising. The cairn is in a state of disrepair so reading the panel is difficult. It is very accessible along the riverside path, newly surface for all abilities.
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Open Wednesday to Sunday, the Coffee Spot is at the entrance to the Fetternear estate and serves coffee, cold drinks and delicious and authentic Chinese street food - well worth a stop!
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Look carefully on the bridge linking Inverurie to Port Elphinstone across the River Don. There is a plaque on the Inverurie side, which indicates the level the River Don reached during the Muckle Spate (Scots for Great Flood) on 4 August 1829. Northeast Scotland was affected by this devastating flood from the Spey to the Dee and into Angus.
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Inverurie Town Hall is a centre point building in Inverurie. It has various meeting rooms and event spaces for hire. Every second Saturday of the month the farmers market is held in the square in front of the town hall.
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The Maiden Stone, also known as the Drumdurno Stone after the nearby farm, is a Pictish standing stone near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire in Scotland, probably dating to the 9th century AD. The Maiden Stone is a 3m-tall cross-slab of pinkish granite, dating to sometime after AD 700. It’s a sculptural delight, bearing both characteristic Pictish symbols and what may be a biblical scene. Plenty of local folklore exists around the Maiden Stone. One tale has it that the stone was once a maiden, who lost a bet with the Devil. As she fled, the Devil turned her to stone. Another says it’s a memorial to a young woman killed as a result of a dispute between two families. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden_Stone - https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/maiden-stone/
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Ury Riverside Parkrun is a fun free 5km run that starts here every Saturday at 9:30. It's marshalled by volunteers and very inclusive, you can race or run/walk a social loop. After the race runners normally grab a social coffee at the Inverurie Garden Centre Café. The course here follows a short loop and then a second longer loop to get the full 5km distance. If you're running here at any time other than Saturday morning, then you can run whatever loop you fancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Bennachie Forest?
There are over 240 road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 70 easy routes, over 150 moderate routes, and around 20 more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Bennachie Forest?
Road cycling routes in Bennachie Forest feature a diverse landscape. You'll encounter undulating farmland, stretches through coniferous and deciduous woodlands, and views of prominent hills like Oxen Craig and Mither Tap. Some routes also follow the scenic banks of the River Don.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Bennachie Forest offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for families. These routes typically have gentle elevation changes and pass through pleasant countryside. For example, the View of Pitfichie Hill loop from War Memorial is an easy 19.1 km ride that offers scenic views.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along the road cycling routes?
Cyclists can enjoy panoramic views across Aberdeenshire, sometimes as far as Lochnagar. Along the routes, you might pass points of interest such as the My Lord’s Throat Road (River Don Climb), or the Gowk Stane. The Stone Bench with View of the Don Valley also offers a great resting spot with a vista.
Where can I find information about the history and wildlife of Bennachie Forest?
The Bennachie Visitor Centre serves as an excellent starting point. It provides comprehensive information on the hill's history, local wildlife, and various trails, including the historical Colony Trail which showcases the lives of past settlers.
Are there any longer, more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, routes like the View of Pitfichie Hill loop from Monymusk offer a moderate 42.5 km journey with significant elevation changes, providing a good test for experienced cyclists.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Bennachie Forest?
The road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Over 2000 road cyclists have explored the varied terrain, often praising the quiet roads, diverse scenery, and the rewarding views of the prominent hills.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in the Bennachie Forest area?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Bennachie Forest are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The region is known for its engaging circular routes that take cyclists around the Bennachie range and along the River Don.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Bennachie Forest?
The undulating farmland and woodlands of Bennachie Forest offer enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer allows for longer daylight hours. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any official long-distance cycling routes that pass through or near Bennachie Forest?
Yes, the wider Aberdeenshire region, including areas near Bennachie Forest, features long-distance cycling routes. For more information on these, you can consult resources like the Aberdeenshire Council's cycling guides at aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Can I find places to rest or have a picnic along the routes?
Yes, there are spots where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. For instance, the Picnic Bench by the Stream offers a pleasant place to stop and refuel amidst your ride.
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