4.4
(8)
49
riders
15
rides
Gravel bike trails around Cove and Altens offer a diverse landscape for cycling, blending coastal scenery with accessible inland routes on the southeastern edge of Aberdeen. The region features the North Sea coast, providing views and paths, alongside the Deeside Way, a popular shared-use path following a former railway line. Terrain varies from mostly paved sections to unpaved roads and challenging gravel tracks. This mix caters to various fitness levels and preferences for gravel biking, with routes featuring elevation gains…
Last updated: October 20, 2026
5.0
(1)
13
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
74.7km
05:01
1,040m
1,040m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
5
riders
51.5km
03:42
680m
680m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
30.8km
02:06
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
7
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A blue rated route. Great to develop your skills. You can easily go around a few times and work on features.
0
0
A quick part, another technical one, it's a treat. A downside: part of the forest was damaged by the storms
0
0
No loo but great grub and cuppa. A good stop on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
0
0
A magnificent building with a lot of history
0
0
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.
0
0
Here you’ll 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.
1
0
Worth nipping onto instead of just taking the fire road back to the car park
0
0
The trails are a great way to get some more wild walking whilst in the heart of the city. Plenty of parking at Hazelhead, and the paths are way-marked.
0
0
There are over 25 gravel bike trails around Cove And Altens, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
The terrain is quite varied, combining coastal paths along the North Sea with inland routes. You'll find a mix of mostly paved sections, unpaved roads, and more challenging gravel tracks. Some segments may even require you to dismount and push your bike.
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. The Old Deeside Railway Line, part of the Deeside Way, is generally flatter and offers a shared-use path that is suitable for all skill levels, making it a good option for family outings.
Many routes incorporate the scenic North Sea coast. You can also explore sections of the Deeside Way, which follows a former railway line. Some loops also pass through Hazlehead Park, offering a green space within proximity to Aberdeen. For historical interest, the University of Aberdeen – St Machar's Cathedral loop from Aberdeen passes by St Machar's Cathedral and the Bridge of Balgownie.
For a longer ride, consider the Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen – Park Bridge over the River Dee loop from Milltimber. This challenging route covers 44 miles (70.8 km) and features significant elevation changes, extending further along the Deeside Way.
The routes in Cove And Altens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars. Many users appreciate the diverse landscapes, from coastal views to the established Deeside Way, and the variety of terrain available.
Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in Cove And Altens are designed as loops. For example, the Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen – BDLN Coffee House, Banchory loop from Pitfodels is a popular circular option along the Deeside Way.
Elevation gains vary significantly across the region. You can find easier rides with under 1,000 feet of elevation, while more challenging routes, such as the Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen – Park Bridge over the River Dee loop from Milltimber, can feature over 3,000 feet of climbing.
Absolutely. The Forest Path in Hazlehead Park – Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen loop from Aberdeen is a great example, leading through Hazlehead Park and connecting to the Deeside Way, offering a blend of urban parkland and natural trails.
While many routes are moderate to difficult, sections of the Deeside Way offer relatively easy, mostly paved surfaces suitable for beginners. The Forest Path in Hazlehead Park – Den Wood loop from Aberdeen is a moderate option that provides a good introduction to the area's trails.
The best time to go gravel biking generally depends on weather conditions. Spring and summer offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making them ideal. However, the varied terrain means routes can be enjoyed year-round, with appropriate gear for autumn and winter conditions.


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