The best traffic-free bike rides around Kirkhill Forest

There are over 30 traffic-free road cycling routes around Kirkhill Forest, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate rides to explore the area.

While Kirkhill Forest is known for its mountain biking, the surrounding area offers road cycling routes with mostly paved surfaces. Some routes might incorporate well-maintained fire roads or gravel paths, which can be suitable for road bikes with wider tires or gravel bikes. Expect varied terrain with elevation changes, including climbs to viewpoints like Tappie Tower, and rewarding descents.

Yes, approximately half of the routes around Kirkhill Forest are rated as easy. These routes are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them ideal for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Smithy Wood loop from Hatton of Fintray, which offers a pleasant 16 km ride.

A prominent landmark is the 19th-century folly, Tappie Tower, located atop Tyrebagger Hill. A climb to the tower offers panoramic views across Aberdeenshire, from the North Sea to Bennachie. The routes also weave through diverse forest scenery with spruce and larch trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for your ride.

Yes, about half of the routes are rated as moderate, offering more challenging options. These routes typically cover longer distances and include more significant elevation gains. For instance, the View of Loch of Skene – Cullerlie Stone Circle loop from Westhill is a moderate 53 km route with over 400 meters of elevation, providing a more demanding experience.

Many of the routes available are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point without retracing your steps. This includes routes like the Forest Farm Organic Dairy – Forest Farm Organic Farm Shop loop from Blackburn, which is an easy 28 km circular ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, the varied forest scenery, and the opportunity to enjoy peaceful rides away from heavy traffic.

While specific parking details for each route vary, Kirkhill Forest itself has designated parking areas. Many of the routes start from nearby villages or towns like Blackburn or Westhill, where public parking is generally available, making it convenient to access the traffic-free cycling paths.

The routes often pass through or near small villages and towns where you can find local amenities. For example, routes starting from Blackburn or Westhill will have access to cafes and pubs for refreshments before or after your ride. The Forest Farm Organic Farm Shop loop from Blackburn specifically mentions a farm shop, which can be a great stop for local produce and a break.

The best time to go road cycling in Kirkhill Forest is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder, and the forest scenery is at its most vibrant. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, Kirkhill Forest's location allows for connections to broader cycling networks. You can extend your rides into Tyrebagger Forest, Elrick, and Brimmond Hill. The Deeside Way, a popular shared cycling and walking route, is also accessible from Aberdeen, offering a scenic ride further into Aberdeenshire.