The best traffic-free bike rides around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris

There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Crathes, Drumoak, and Durris area. These routes range from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels and preferences.

Yes, the region offers several options suitable for families and beginners. The Deeside Way is a prime example, offering a largely traffic-free, mostly level path that follows the former railway line. While some sections can be unpaved, making a gravel or mountain bike suitable, it's generally accessible for all abilities. Additionally, within the 21 routes available, there is 1 route specifically rated as easy, and 14 are moderate, providing plenty of gentle options.

You'll encounter a diverse range of landscapes, from expansive woodlands and rolling hills, particularly within Durris Forest, to picturesque river valleys along the River Dee. Many routes offer stunning views towards the surrounding countryside and even glimpses of the Cairngorms National Park from higher vantage points.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging route Durris Forest – Cairn Mon Earn Summit loop from Craigie Daff Wood offers a 25.5 km circular ride with significant elevation gain. For a moderate option, consider the Park Bridge over the River Dee – Ashentilly Hill loop from Craigie Daff Wood, which is 26.3 km long.

The region is rich in attractions. You can cycle past or stop at historical sites like Cullerlie Stone Circle and Midmar Stone Circle. The Crathes Castle Estate, located alongside the Deeside Way, offers gardens, woodland trails, and the Milton Craft Village. For natural beauty, the Lady Kennedy's Bath on the River Dee is a notable spot, and the Falls of Feugh near Banchory are a popular attraction where you might see salmon leaping.

Parking is generally available at common trailheads and access points for popular routes. For instance, routes like Durris Forest – Cairn Mon Earn Summit loop from Craigie Daff Wood and Park Bridge over the River Dee – Ashentilly Hill loop from Craigie Daff Wood start from Craigie Daff Wood, which typically has parking facilities. The Deeside Way also has various access points with parking along its length.

Absolutely. For those seeking panoramic views and a challenge, routes like the Durris Forest – Cairn Mon Earn Summit loop from Craigie Daff Wood will take you to the Cairn Mon Earn Summit, offering expansive vistas. Other notable viewpoints include Hill of Fare Summit Cairn and Scolty Tower, which can be incorporated into longer rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from 38 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful woodland scenery, and the sense of escape offered by the well-maintained paths and forest tracks.

While many routes are best accessed by car due to their rural nature, the Deeside Way is particularly well-connected. It runs from Aberdeen to Ballater, with various towns and villages along the route that may have bus services, allowing for point-to-point rides or easier access to sections of the path. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific stops near your desired starting point.

Yes, you'll find amenities, especially along the more popular routes like the Deeside Way. The Crathes Castle Estate, for example, hosts the Milton Craft Village with eateries. Towns and villages such as Drumoak and Banchory, which are often starting points or pass-throughs for these routes, offer various cafes, pubs, and shops where you can refuel and relax.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions with longer daylight hours and milder weather, ideal for exploring the woodlands and river valleys. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with changing foliage. While some routes are accessible year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy conditions, especially on unpaved sections, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.