4.4
(122)
5,262
riders
264
rides
Road cycling routes around Cove And Altens offer a blend of coastal scenery and inland pathways in the south-east edge of Aberdeen. The area features rugged coastlines with dramatic inlets and dedicated cycling routes. Cyclists can find paths tracing former railway lines, such as sections of the Deeside Way, providing traffic-free stretches through the Aberdeenshire countryside. The terrain includes gentle coastal gradients and more undulating inland sections.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(1)
16
riders
21.6km
00:57
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
38.4km
01:46
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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13
riders
37.6km
01:43
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
8
riders
19.7km
00:51
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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The pavements along this bridge are narrow so care should be taken as it can be very busy.
0
0
Nice looking footbridge made of fieldstones over the railroad line from Aberdeen to the south. From here you have a beautiful view of the North Sea.
5
0
The magnificent Bridge of Dee is a 16th-century road bridge that spans over the River Dee. The bridge is made of stone and has an impressive seven ribbed arches, and it used to mark the point of the City of Aberdeen's southern boundary.
2
0
Causey Mounth is a short sharp climb of about 800m distance. It climbs about 65m of ascent with an average gradient of 7.9%. It's a great climb to start a loop from Aberdeen.
0
0
Nice wee cafe by day, bistro in the evening on the square in the Elsick estate
2
0
There are over 270 road cycling routes available in the Cove And Altens area, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The terrain around Cove And Altens offers a mix of coastal scenery with gentle gradients and more undulating inland sections. You'll find dedicated pathways, including parts of the Old Deeside Railway Line, which provide traffic-free stretches through the Aberdeenshire countryside. Some sections, particularly on the Deeside Way, might not always be paved and could be muddy after rain.
Yes, Cove And Altens offers 61 easy road cycling routes. A good option for a more relaxed ride is the Old Cults Railway Station Path – Boxcar Café loop from Aberdeen, which is 16.8 miles long and leads through suburban and park areas.
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 18 difficult routes. The Queen's View & Cullerlie Stone Circle loop from Aberdeen is a demanding 69.2-mile path offering extensive views and passing historical sites. Another difficult option is the Slains Castle & Aden Country Park loop from Aberdeen, which is 111.9 km long.
Many routes offer stunning coastal views, especially heading south from Cove with rugged cliffs and dramatic inlets. Inland, you might pass historical sites like the Bridge of Balgownie or the St Machar's Cathedral. The Old Deeside Railway Line itself is a notable feature, tracing a historic path through the countryside.
While specific family-friendly routes are not highlighted, the presence of dedicated pathways like sections of the Old Deeside Railway Line (Deeside Way) offers traffic-free stretches that can be suitable for families, especially the easier, paved sections. Always check route details for suitability for younger riders.
The road cycling routes in Cove And Altens are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of coastal scenery and the peaceful, traffic-free sections of the former railway lines.
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Oldmeldrum & Inverurie loop from Aberdeen is a popular moderate circular route exploring the Aberdeenshire countryside.
Cove And Altens is located on the south-east edge of Aberdeen, providing good access to the city's public transport network. Many routes start from or are accessible near Aberdeen, making it feasible to reach trailheads via bus or train services within the city.
The region offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer provide milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring. While some parts of the Deeside Way can be muddy after rain, the dedicated road surfaces are generally suitable in most conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
While specific cafes directly on every route are not listed, the proximity to Aberdeen and the village-like status of Cove And Altens mean there are amenities available. Routes like the Old Cults Railway Station Path – Boxcar Café loop from Aberdeen suggest that cafes are integrated into some cycling experiences, particularly closer to urban areas.
One of the longer routes available is the Queen's View & Cullerlie Stone Circle loop from Aberdeen, which spans 69.2 miles (111.4 km) and offers extensive views.


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