The best road cycling routes around Kingswells

Kingswells offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 440 routes available for exploration. These range from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation.

The Deeside Way is an excellent option for road cyclists, offering a 66 km traffic-free, multi-user path that follows the old railway line. It's suitable for all ages and abilities due to its mostly level terrain, though some sections include gentle climbs. You can enjoy lush green scenery and pass through charming villages alongside the River Dee. A route incorporating parts of it is the View of Loch of Skene – Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen loop from Mastrick.

The Learney Hill – Cullerlie Stone Circle loop from Westhill is a moderate 60.5 km route featuring rolling hills and an elevation gain of over 540 meters. This route also incorporates the historic Cullerlie Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument, offering a blend of scenic cycling and cultural interest.

Yes, for an easier ride with beautiful scenery, consider the View of Loch of Skene loop from Westhill. This 40.6 km route is classified as easy, with an elevation gain of around 290 meters, and offers picturesque views of the tranquil Loch of Skene, known for its wildlife and attractive woodlands.

For a more challenging experience, the View of Pitfichie Hill – Bridge Over the River Don loop from Westhill is a moderate 86.9 km route with a significant elevation gain of almost 780 meters. This route takes you through diverse terrain, including Pitfichie Hill and along the River Don, offering a rewarding ride for experienced cyclists.

Kingswells is surrounded by diverse natural features. You can cycle past the 'Four Hills of Kingswells' (Brimmond Hill, Elrick Hill, Kepplehills, and Little Cairn Hill), offering varied terrain and views. The tranquil Loch of Skene is also a prominent feature, known for its wildlife. For panoramic views, consider visiting Brimmond Hill Summit.

Yes, several routes incorporate historical sites. The Learney Hill – Cullerlie Stone Circle loop from Westhill passes by the ancient Cullerlie Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument. Additionally, routes exploring the River Don area might bring you close to the historic Bridge of Balgownie.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from rolling hills to tranquil lochs, and the well-maintained network of paths that cater to different skill levels, making it an appealing location for scenic rides.

Many routes in the Kingswells area provide excellent views. The Queen's View – Queen's View (Deeside) loop from Westhill is a moderate 72.7 km route that offers scenic vistas. Additionally, climbing Brimmond Hill Summit provides panoramic views stretching from Aberdeen city to the sea and across the rolling countryside.

While many road cycling routes involve public roads, the Deeside Way, accessible from Kingswells, is a traffic-free path that is generally considered suitable for families due to its mostly level terrain. For specific family-friendly road routes, it's best to check individual route details for traffic levels and difficulty.

The best time for road cycling in Kingswells is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is generally milder and daylight hours are longer. This allows for more comfortable riding conditions and better enjoyment of the scenic landscapes.