4.7
(74)
2,142
riders
46
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Sluie Woods offer a serene experience through established woodlands and along quiet country roads. The region features rolling hills and gentle gradients, making it accessible for various fitness levels. Cyclists can explore extensive forest tracks and enjoy picturesque views over the River Dee. The terrain is well-suited for touring cyclists seeking enjoyable rides away from busy traffic.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
11
riders
30.3km
02:17
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
7.22km
00:40
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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26
riders
16.9km
01:53
450m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
12.1km
01:06
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
25.3km
02:20
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Sluie Woods
Great café with hot dishes on the menu – vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Popular with cyclists – we've rarely seen so many at one time anywhere else ;)
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Path not marked on map. Rooty in places but great views.
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Unfortunately unfriendly to cyclists :(
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The Dinnie Steens are transported to the Aboyne Highland Games each year, for all the strong people to have a go! 💪 The rest of the year, you can check them out at the Potarch Café and enjoy their all day brunch while you are there!
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Great place to stay with excellent facilities for caravans and motorhomes, but also has pods and cabins available for hire. Easy access to some great cycling both on and off road.
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There is a small car park here. An excellent path follows the Beltie Burn to the woodland. An initiative by the Torphins path group. https://www.torphinspathsgroup.org/
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Great cafe. Check opening times on the internet. Always a warm welcome and good food.
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Great gravel riding under Scolty hill from Banchory to Potarch
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There are over 45 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Sluie Woods listed in this guide. These routes are designed to offer peaceful rides away from busy roads, utilizing quiet country lanes and forest tracks.
The no-traffic touring routes around Sluie Woods primarily feature established woodlands and well-maintained forest tracks. You can expect rolling hills and gentle gradients, making them accessible for various fitness levels. Many routes also offer picturesque views over the River Dee.
Yes, Sluie Woods offers several easy no-traffic touring routes. For example, the Potarch Cafe – The Dinnie Stones loop from Potarch is an easy 7.2 km ride with gentle elevation, perfect for a relaxed outing. Overall, 8 routes are rated as easy.
Sluie Woods is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be serene, though some forest tracks might be muddy or icy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, many of the no-traffic routes, especially the easier ones, are suitable for families. The gentle gradients and forest tracks provide a safe and enjoyable environment away from vehicle traffic. The Potarch Cafe – The Dinnie Stones loop from Potarch is a great option for families.
Generally, dogs are welcome on leads on most public access routes and forest tracks in Sluie Woods. However, always be mindful of local signage, especially near livestock or protected wildlife areas. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and doesn't disturb other users or wildlife.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Sluie Woods are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the moderate Falls of Feugh – Slewdrum Forest loop from Potarch Rd End and the more challenging Curvy Forest Trail – Slewdrum Forest loop from Hill of Tillybath.
While specific parking areas are not detailed for every route, Sluie Woods and the surrounding areas often have designated car parks near trailheads or popular access points. For routes like the Potarch Cafe – The Dinnie Stones loop, parking is typically available near Potarch.
The region around Sluie Woods, including nearby villages like Kincardine O'Neil and Potarch, offers various amenities. You'll find cafes and pubs where you can refuel. For instance, the Potarch Cafe – The Dinnie Stones loop starts near Potarch Cafe, and the Platform 22 Café – Nice Downhill Section loop is near Platform 22 Café in Torphins.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.78 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the established woodlands, the scenic views over the River Dee, and the well-maintained forest tracks that provide a genuine escape from traffic, making for a relaxing and immersive cycling experience.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging rides, Sluie Woods also offers difficult no-traffic touring routes. The Learney Hill – Platform 22 Café loop from Torphins, for example, covers over 25 km with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding challenge amidst the quiet landscapes.


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