Tomintoul to Ballater
- 55 km
- 529 m
- Moderate
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 529 m
- 55 km
Route overview
Suitable for cyclists prepared for mixed gravel and paved surfaces over 55 km with moderate climbing of 529 m.
Stage 5 of 6 of the Scotland Trail: 55.4 km from Tomintoul to Ballater with 529 m of climbing, on the signed route.
This route starts at Tomintoul and heads southeast for 55.4 km to finish in Ballater. It passes through Inver (37.3 km), Balnault (38.8 km), and Crathie (41.1 km), continuing past smaller places including Easter Balmoral and Knock. The elevation ranges from 201 m at the end to 721 m near km 23.5, with the first half containing 53% of the climbing. The ride features two climbs: a 2.6 km climb from 14.1 km rising 69 m at 2.7% average gradient, followed by a more sustained 3.9 km climb starting at 19.5 km, gaining 247 m at 6.3% average with a maximum of 11.4%. Maximum elevation is 721 m up near 23.5 km. The surface is mixed, with about 47% paved and 52% gravel or unpaved; 59% of the route follows tracks, 30% on main roads including 12.8 km on the B976 and 3.4 km on the A93. Main roads lack dedicated cycle lanes along the full 16.3 km. The longest descent is 3.4 km dropping 237 m, starting near 23.7 km. Facilities include cafés, restaurants, and shops at the start in Tomintoul and the finish in Ballater. However, the middle 40 km stretch between 0.1 and 40.1 km lacks cafés, shops or water, so riders should prepare accordingly. Notable places beside the route include the Queen Victoria viewpoint near 1.8 km, and castles such as Invercauld House (30.3 km) and Abergeldie Castle (44.6 km). Water is available near the finish at Ballater, alongside bike shops and several toilets.
Highlights
- Climbs reaching 721 m elevation
- Longest descent 3.4 km dropping 237 m
- Queen Victoria viewpoint near 2 km
- Castles at Invercauld and Abergeldie
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 14.1 km | 2.6 km | 69 m | 2.7 % | 5.3 % | 483 m |
| — | 19.5 km | 3.9 km | 247 m | 6.3 % | 11.4 % | 721 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 59% track · 30% main road · 5% minor road · 4% path
- Main roads
- 16.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 3.3 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B976 (13 km), A93 (3 km)
- Surface
- 47% paved · 52% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 21% climbing · 24% descending · 56% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.7 km over 5% · 1.6 km over 8% · 0.9 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 23.8% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 3.4 km from 23.7 km, dropping 237 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 40 km, from 0 km to 40 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmVillage Store and Post Office · convenience store · 50 m off route
- 0.1 kmThe Highland Market · café · on the route
- 0.1 kmToilets · 90 m off route
- 0.1 kmRepair stand · on the route
- 31.9 kmToilets · 160 m off route
- 40.1 kmBalmoral Gift shop and Cafe · restaurant · 210 m off route
- 40.1 kmToilets · 190 m off route
- 53.9 kmToilets · 110 m off route
- 54.2 kmRiverside Garage · petrol station · 290 m off route
- 54.2 kmDavidsons Chemists · pharmacy · 200 m off route
- 54.7 kmOrka Artisa Cafe & Bistro · café · 100 m off route
- 54.7 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 140 m off route
- 54.7 kmTop Up Tap · drinking water · 130 m off route
- 54.7 kmBike Station Ballater · bike shop · 70 m off route
Worth a stop
- 1.8 km — The Queen Victoria viewpoint (viewpoint)
- 16.8 km — Crannog (archaeological site)
- 30.3 km — Invercauld House (castle)
- 44.6 km — Abergeldie Castle (castle)
- 52.3 km — Scurriestone (archaeological site)
At the start
- The Old Fire Station Tea Room · café · 80 m
- The Highland Market · café · 100 m
- Richmond Arms Hotel · pub · 60 m
- The Clockhouse Restaurant · restaurant · 50 m
- The Glenavon · pub · 70 m
At the finish
- Orka Artisa Cafe & Bistro · café · 100 m
- Bike Station Ballater · bike shop · 70 m
- The Bothy Ballater · café · 120 m
- Rothesay Rooms · restaurant · 20 m
- Co-op Food · supermarket · 140 m
Stay after this ride
- The Gordon Guest House · guest house · 70 m from the finish
- Netherly House · guest house · 80 m from the finish
- Celicall Guesthouse · guest house · 110 m from the finish
- The Monaltrie · hotel · 350 m from the finish
- Glenaden Hotel · hotel · 210 m from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 4 h 37 min
- Jul to Aug — daily highs of 16–17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Longest 40 km without café, shop or water (0.1 to 40.1 km)
- 16.3 km on main roads with no cycle lane
- 3.3 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
- Steepest sustained gradient 11.4% over 3.9 km