http://www.deesideway.org
The Deeside Way is a longer distance path running from near the centre of Aberdeen, oil capital of Europe, to Ballater, in the Cairngorms National Park, famous for it’s Victorian Heritage and links to Balmoral Castle.
The path is suitable for walkers and cyclists with many sections suitable for horses as well and is Route 195 of the National Cycle Network which is coordinated and promoted by Sustrans.
The route follows the line of the Old Royal Deeside Railway from Aberdeen to Banchory, through woodland and farmland to Kincardine O’Neil and then rejoins the old line from Aboyne to Ballater, total distance 41 miles.
Along the way there are many opportunities to see remains of the old railway infrastructure as well as stunning views over the River Dee with the Cairngorm Mountains as a backdrop.
Most of the route is off road with gradual gradients making for easy going particularly suitable for family cycling although there are some short steeper sections giving more of a challenge. Along the way there are opportunities to link into other paths including historic drove roads like The Fungle and Firmounth and local path networks.
The Deeside Way offers the opportunity to explore a beautiful area of Aberdeenshire with its changing landscape from sea to mountain and makes the ideal base for a walking holiday or cycling holiday or indeed both.
