The best cycling routes around Culter

Touring cycling around Culter features a mix of rolling hills and expansive moorland landscapes. You'll find both paved country roads and gravel paths, offering varied terrain. Routes often traverse river valleys and provide scenic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Culter Hills. The area provides options from gentle routes to more challenging ascents, with routes like Park Bridge over the River Dee – Cairn Mon Earn Summit loop from Peterculter featuring significant elevation gain.

Yes, Culter offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Old Deeside Railway Line – Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen loop from Peterculter is an easy 13-mile (21 km) trail that utilizes a former railway line, offering a flat and scenic path. Overall, there are 4 easy routes available in the area.

For those seeking a challenge, Culter has several difficult routes. The Park Bridge over the River Dee – Cairn Mon Earn Summit loop from Peterculter is a difficult 23.9-mile (38.5 km) path with substantial elevation gain and panoramic views from Cairn Mon Earn. Another demanding option is the Tomnaverie Stone Circle – Spider on a Bicycle loop from Peterculter, which spans 99 km with over 900 meters of ascent. In total, there are 6 difficult routes to explore.

The Culter area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past ancient hill forts and old hamlets, hinting at over 2,000 years of human occupation. Notable natural features include the rolling range of grassy hills and expansive moorland landscapes of the Culter Hills. Specific highlights you might encounter include the Cullerlie Stone Circle and the Midmar Stone Circle. For stunning views, routes often lead to viewpoints like Cairn Mon Earn Summit or Brimmond Hill Summit.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Culter are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Bike loop from Peterculter, a 14.2-mile (22.9 km) trail that takes you through varied local terrain. Another option is the Bike loop from Contlaw Cottage, an easy 8 km route.

The Southern Uplands, including the Culter Hills, are best enjoyed for touring cycling during the warmer and drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you'll experience more pleasant weather, clearer views, and less chance of boggy conditions on unpaved sections. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, potential ice, and shorter daylight hours.

The touring cycling routes in Culter are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 150 reviews. Over 2500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views, quiet country roads, and the mix of paved and gravel paths that cater to different preferences.

Yes, the area offers family-friendly cycling options, particularly on routes that utilize former railway lines. The Old Deeside Railway Line – Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen loop from Peterculter is an excellent choice, being flat and scenic, making it suitable for cyclists of varying ages and abilities. These types of routes often provide a safe and enjoyable experience away from heavy traffic.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not detailed, the region around Culter, particularly in nearby towns like Biggar and Peterculter, offers local amenities. Cycling routes often pass through or near these towns, providing opportunities to stop at local cafes and independent shops for refreshments and a break. The broader Southern Upland Way Road Cycle Route also connects villages, offering chances to enjoy local hospitality.

The Culter Hills area is situated approximately 10 km south of Biggar. While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, Biggar is a key hub in the region. Some road cycling routes, such as those from Lanark to Biggar, utilize quiet back roads. For wider regional access, the Southern Upland Way Road Cycle Route connects various villages, which may have public transport links, allowing cyclists to plan point-to-point journeys.

Yes, the Southern Uplands, encompassing the Culter Hills, are increasingly recognized for gravel biking. This allows cyclists to explore mixed surfaces, forest tracks, and quieter paths. While some sections of the wider Southern Upland Way can be challenging, a dedicated Southern Upland Way Road Cycle Route makes it possible to experience much of the region's character on quiet back roads, offering a middle ground between road cycling and mountain biking.