Insch Circular Ride
A route over rolling hills through attractive Aberdeenshire farmland - countryside once shared with slate quarrymen and numerous whisky distillers.
This route provides a leisurely opportunity to explore the rolling hill country between Insch and the Gartly Moor to the west, with sweeping views over the Pictish province of The Garioch to Bennachie.
The route is on public roads with a tarred surface, winding through beech avenues, open farmland and forests. For those seeking challenging off-road cycling, the Forest Enterprise Cycle Trails at Gartly Moor Forest can be reached from Insch via the 'Gartly Moor Link' route (waymarked in white).
Starting at Insch station, head north along the B992 (Commercial Road) past the Carriages pub on your left.
After riding 600 metres the post office and Commercial Hotel appear on your right just before you approach the junction with Insch high Street.
Take the left turn at the junction with the High Street onto Market Street.
Continue along Market Street, sheltered avenues of beech lead to the ancient Picardy Stone with its fascinating Pictish symbols.
Two kilometres past the Piccardy Stone the road reaches a T-junction. At this point take the right towards Gartly Moor. Ride for just under a kilometre and take the next right sign posted to Wardhouse.
After a mile of beautiful, winding countryside you come to another small junction just after a small farmstead, take the left towards Wardhouse.
Continue past Mains of Wardhouse and on towards Dunnideer past quiet farms in the valley of The Shevock. Dunnideer hill fort and tower appear as a prominent landmark on your right - if you have time, a brisk walk to the top is highly recommended (Please follow footpath, the entrance of which is located 500 metres south east of Dunnideer village).
Continue eastwards towards worthy refreshments in Insch village centre and then back to the train station.
Insch train station is on the Aberdeen - Inverness rail line. Bike reservations are free (make sure there are enough spaces for your group and that you also have reservations for your journey home).
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Route submitted by: Sustrans
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Key route details
- Region/Area:
Northern Scotland
- Distance:
11 miles
- Time needed:
1.5 hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
On road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
N/A
- Start:
Insch Train Station
- Finish:
Insch Train Station
- Access:
Train Station at Insch
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max: 6°C min: 0°C
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