Im heading up to Elgin to see my folks for a few days and also booked a wee Air bnb in Maryculter . it turns out its very close to Durris and not a million miles from Heartbreak ridge.
Any tips , Im only there for a couple of days so dont want to take the mickey and spend all the time on my bike. I'll hopefully get out for a wee bit each morning.
Also plan a wee spin to Monaughty forest when im in Elgin.
Some great gravel rides from Marycooter. Cycle along to Durris crossroads at the bottom of the Burn O Durris road. Go up through forest trails past the shoulder of Cairn MorEarn to the top of the Slug road. Then drop down by road and turn right to Swanley/ snob cottage. Turn right further along that road and your in Fettereso. Miles of trails. A good one is to head for the wind farm then over by Kerloch to come out at Knockburn.
I can send you the route.
If you want more gnarl then drive along to Aboyne or Ballater. Another good one is Mount Battock from Banchory but it’s a big ride.
Check out the Drumtochty or Scolty (Banchory) trails on Trailforks. Both pretty close to Marycoulter.
Thanks folks , I'll give you a message bruneep . Tempted to take my gravel bike but really want to ride the deeside mtb trails . Wouldn't mind heading up to do Heartbreak ridge and masterplan. It's a balancing act trying to keep the wife happy and not just bugger of on my bike all day.
Heartbreak ridge is a fairly short loop, easily doable in an evening.
Yeah, but if hes in or near Aberdeen it's a 120 mile/ 2hr round trip.
Yeah, but if hes in or near Aberdeen it’s a 120 mile/ 2hr round trip.
No, it’s 35 miles from Maryculter to Ballater.
Are the ATA not working on trails at Durris at the moment?
Scolty deffo worth checking out if you have the time - loads of great trails.
Durris has FC work going on so please respect the closed trails, Gravitate is working closely with FC and doing trail maintenance, currently working on Durris 1.
OP I'd recommend Scolty as much more trails and more variety from mellow XC to where are my life insurance docs. It's also nice for a river swim after with weather being great currently.
If you have time for a day away, go to Ballater;
https://www.trailforks.com/route/ballater-highlights/
or
https://www.trailforks.com/route/loch-muick-glen-clova-loop/
That will tick all the boxes
Durris has FC work going on so please respect the closed trails, Gravitate is working closely with FC and doing trail maintenance, currently working on Durris 1.
Spoke to forestry guys there last time I was up they were more that happy for us to ride out of hours where we want. During working hours he said just stay away from where machine is working and you'll be fine. He was really cool about us being there. Reckons he'll be done for now in a week or so as they were off elsewhere but they will return at some point.
Just back from scolty this am and the trails were mint.
Your spoiled for choice for gravel rides around Durris/Fettereso. I went out today over the Elsick Mounth road through Durris and Fettereso. It was quiet and glorious
why has everyone assumed its a gravel ride 😴 the OP wants?
Or did I miss that bit
Thanks for the replies folks , I didn;t metion a gravel bike but do own one and Its given me an idea for a future overnighter. Will ride up in Elgin then hopefully a mornign at Durris then head home via Heartbreak ridge and a walk up linn of Dee on the way home.
@stanfree not sure when you are planning to go to durris or where you are parking
Was there today and there are signs for a motorsport event in forest 13-15th Aug. Also in Drumtochty North and Fetteresso
also the road from Woodlands of Durris village is closed until 20th for water main replacement.
Offer still there if you want any further info on routes
Oooh that’s exciting! Shame it’s no spectators, they’ve just regraded a load of the tracks after the harvesting, it’s going to be a bit rougher on the gravel bike for a while I guess!
Is this a new event? I’ve not heard of it before.
@Mat think this was previously the Granite City Rally.
Noticed that the fireroads have been flattened out and gorse bushes cut back for line of sight
Ironically having said I wont be gravel riding looking at the forecast I'll now be gravel riding. Probably going to do the deeside way and meet the wife at Braemar.