Deeside Way and Glen Tanar Loop

This route is rated as difficult for touring cyclists due to its varied nature. While the Deeside Way section is generally easy with shallow gradients, the Glen Tanar portion involves more rugged terrain, including hard gravel rides and potentially technical sections that may require good fitness and robust equipment. It offers a diverse experience, transitioning from gentle paths to more demanding exploration.

The terrain is quite varied. The Deeside Way primarily follows a disused railway line, offering a mix of tarmac, gritted paths, ash, and tar, making it generally well-surfaced. However, the Glen Tanar section features more challenging terrain, including unpaved sections, hard gravel, forest tracks, and woodland paths. Some parts may even involve singletrack or doubletrack, suggesting a mountain bike might be more suitable for those sections.

The route is approximately 46 kilometers (28.6 miles) long with about 605 meters (1,985 feet) of elevation gain. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, the route offers several points of interest. You'll pass by the historic Ballater Bridge (Queen's Bridge) over the River Dee. Further along, you can see the River Plunge Pools in Cairngorms National Park and the intriguing Tower O'Ess. The route also touches upon The Tarland Way – Southern End.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you'll typically find more favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and drier trails, especially in the more rugged Glen Tanar sections. Be aware that midges can be prevalent in Scotland during warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk or in still, damp conditions.

The Deeside Way section is largely flat and considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for families and beginners. However, the inclusion of the Glen Tanar Loop significantly increases the difficulty. Glen Tanar features challenging mountain biking trails and hard gravel sections, which are not recommended for beginners or young children on standard touring bikes. A combined loop like this is best suited for experienced touring cyclists with good fitness.

While the specific starting point for this Komoot tour is Ballater, there are various parking options available in towns along the Deeside Way, such as Ballater or Aboyne. For Glen Tanar, designated parking areas are available within the National Nature Reserve, though specific locations may vary. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.

Dogs are generally welcome on the Deeside Way and within Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve. However, they must be kept under close control, preferably on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or during bird nesting seasons. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect local signage regarding dogs.

No, you do not need specific permits or to pay entrance fees to cycle the Deeside Way or within Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve, which is part of the Cairngorms National Park. Access is generally free under Scotland's Outdoor Access Code. However, some private parking areas might charge a fee, and donations are often welcome at visitor centers or for trail maintenance.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. It extensively uses the Deeside Way (covering about 40-43% of the route) and also includes parts of the Scotland Trail (52%). Other smaller sections include the Ballater & Burn o'Vat Circular, Mounth Road, and the Tarland Way, offering opportunities to explore further if desired.

Given the varied terrain, a touring bike with robust tires or a gravel bike would be ideal for this loop. While the Deeside Way is suitable for most bikes, the more challenging sections of Glen Tanar, with its hard gravel and potentially technical paths, would be better handled by a bike with good suspension and wider, knobby tires. A mountain bike would also be a strong choice, especially if you plan to tackle the more rugged parts of Glen Tanar.