Gravel · From the map · United Kingdom
Ballater to Gairnshiel Circular
- 32 km
- 374 m
- Easy
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 374 m
- 32 km
Route overview
Cyclists suited to medium distance with moderate climbing over mixed surfaces.
31.7 km loop from Ballater in Aberdeenshire with 374 m climbing over mixed surfaces.
Starting in Ballater, this 31.7 km circular route heads east passing Bridge of Gairn at 1.9 km. The first notable climb begins at 3.2 km, lasting 3.2 km up to 328 m with an average gradient of 2.6% and a maximum of 4.9%. The route continues to Crathie at 18.3 km and Easter Balmoral at 19.3 km. The second climb starts at 11 km on the outward leg, measuring 2.6 km with an average of 4.8% and reaching 475 m elevation. The majority of the ride is on main roads, covering 27.3 km mainly on the B976 for 19 km and the A939 for 7.5 km. About 13% of the route is on gravel or unpaved tracks, totaling 3.7 km. The route also features the longest descent of 4.7 km beginning at 13.7 km and dropping 195 m. There is a continuous 18.3 km stretch without cafés, shops, or water from Ballater to Crathie. Facilities are available at the start/finish in Ballater, including cafés, a bakery, supermarket, bike shops, and at the finish near 31.7 km.
Highlights
- Climb to 475 m high point at 13.6 km
- Passes Abergeldie Castle at 22 km
- Longest descent of 4.7 km from 13.7 km
- Near Creag nam Ban peak at 22.9 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 3.2 km | 3.2 km | 84 m | 2.6 % | 4.9 % | 328 m |
| — | 11 km | 2.6 km | 126 m | 4.8 % | 8.3 % | 475 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 86% main road · 12% track
- Main roads
- 27.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 8.5 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B976 (19 km), A939 (8 km)
- Surface
- 87% paved · 13% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 30% climbing · 28% descending · 41% flat
- Steep sections
- 1.3 km over 5% · 0.5 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 15.7% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 4.7 km from 13.7 km, dropping 195 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 18 km, from 0 km to 18 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmOrka Artisa Cafe & Bistro · café · 330 m off route
- 0 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 350 m off route
- 0 kmBike Station Ballater · bike shop · 340 m off route
- 0 kmBallater Clinic · clinic · 450 m off route
- 18.3 kmThe Highlanders Bakehouse · café · 380 m off route
- 31.4 kmToilets · 110 m off route
- 31.6 kmCycle Highlands · bike shop · 370 m off route
- 31.7 kmThe Green Cafe · café · 230 m off route
- 31.7 kmDavidsons Chemists · pharmacy · 250 m off route
Worth a stop
- 22 km — Abergeldie Castle (castle)
- 29.8 km — Scurriestone (archaeological site)
At the start and finish
- Orka Artisa Cafe & Bistro · café · 330 m
- Byron Bakery · bakery · 340 m
- Co-op Food · supermarket · 350 m
- The Green Cafe · café · 560 m
- Bike Station Ballater · bike shop · 340 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 2 h 38 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 18.3 km without café, shop or water from 0 to 18.3 km
- 27.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 8.5 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
- 3.7 km on gravel or unpaved track