4.3
(94)
1,290
riders
14
rides
Touring cycling around Newmachar, a village in Aberdeenshire, offers access to a network of routes through rolling agricultural plains and wooded river valleys. The area is characterized by the River Don and the Formartine and Buchan Way, an entirely off-road path following a former railway line. This infrastructure provides varied terrain for cyclists, from relatively flat sections to routes with moderate elevation gains. The region's quiet roads and scenic landscapes make it suitable for diverse cycling experiences.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
5.0
(4)
42
riders
17.6km
01:13
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
27
riders
23.3km
01:35
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5
riders
43.1km
02:40
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
19.7km
01:50
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
20.2km
01:44
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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perfect for beginners like myself and wife, we would have gone further if we had more time๐
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Thanks to Udny Paths Group for bringing this path back to life. ๐
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The Formartine and Buchan cycle and walking trail crosses the River Don here. You can see a gauging station just upstream, past the power lines.
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Here, the Formartine and Buchan Trail cuts through the peaceful Logierieve Wood. The path is accompanied by a display of willows, offering a canopy of shade through this section.
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Opened on July 18, 1861, by the Formartine and Buchan Railway, Udny Station featured a station building on the southbound platform and a goods yard on the east side, complete with a goods shed. Udny Station closed its doors on October 4, 1965 and today stands as a point of interest on the hiking and cycling route of the Formartine and Buchan Trail.
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Here youโll pass over the River Don, a tranquil waterway which originates in the Grampian Mountains, specifically in the Peatlands of Aberdeenshire. It flows eastward through Aberdeenshire, passing through various towns and eventually empties into the North Sea at Aberdeen.
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Don't miss Cafe 21! Nestled at the station, it's the perfect spot for coffee and delicious bites. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the newly renovated cafe or the covered outdoor seating area. You can choose to dine in or take away, and enjoy the local flavors at this gem in the heart of Dyce.
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Lovely indoor and outdoor seating with views over the River Don. Order at the bar. Pizza, burgers, Sunday roast, cakes and coffee.
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Newmachar offers a selection of 16 touring cycling routes, catering to various preferences. You'll find 6 easy routes and 10 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.
The touring cycling routes around Newmachar feature a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by rolling agricultural plains and wooded river valleys. Many routes utilize the Formartine and Buchan Way, which is an entirely off-road and relatively flat pathway. Other routes, like the Lairshill Standing Stone loop from Newmachar, include more varied elevation gains, reaching up to 428 meters.
Yes, Newmachar has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the River Don at Dyce โ Cafe Twentyone loop from Newmachar, an easy 23.3 km path offering picturesque riverside cycling. Another gentle choice is the Udny Station โ Logierieve Wood loop from Newmachar, which is 19.7 km long.
While cycling around Newmachar, you can enjoy scenic views along the River Don. For panoramic vistas, consider routes that offer glimpses of Brimmond Hill Summit, a local 'Marilyn' offering expansive views. You might also encounter historical sites like the South Ythsie Stone Circle or the Bourtie Stone Circle, which are part of the region's rich heritage.
Yes, the area around Newmachar offers several historical sites and attractions. You can cycle past the South Ythsie Stone Circle or the Bourtie Stone Circle. The village itself features historic landmarks such as the ruins of the medieval Newmachar Castle and the 12th-century St. Machar's Church. For a family-friendly outdoor activity, The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail is also nearby.
Many routes around Newmachar pass through or near villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the River Don at Dyce โ Cafe Twentyone loop from Newmachar is specifically designed to pass by local amenities, including Cafe Twentyone. The Formartine and Buchan Way also connects to towns like Dyce, Udny Station, and Ellon, which offer various refreshment stops.
Newmachar is situated just 10 miles northwest of Aberdeen, making it accessible. While specific public transport links directly to trailheads may vary, Aberdeen itself is a major transport hub. The Formartine and Buchan Way, a key cycling artery, connects Newmachar to towns like Dyce, which has good transport links.
Parking is generally available in Newmachar village and at various points along the main cycling routes. For routes starting directly from Newmachar, local parking facilities can be utilized. When exploring routes that connect to other towns via the Formartine and Buchan Way, parking is often available in those towns as well.
The touring cycling routes in Newmachar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the peaceful riverside scenery along the River Don and the well-maintained, entirely off-road sections of the Formartine and Buchan Way. The blend of quiet roads and diverse landscapes, from rolling farmland to wooded areas, also contributes to a highly enjoyable cycling experience.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Newmachar are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the popular River Don at Dyce โ River Don loop from Newmachar, which is 17.6 km long, and the Aberdeen Seafront โ River Don at Dyce loop from Kingseat, a longer 36.5 km option that takes you towards the coast.
The best time for touring cycling in Newmachar is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. While cycling is possible year-round, winter conditions can bring colder temperatures and potentially icy paths, especially on less-trafficked routes.


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