Cairngorms
They’re 40 million years old but there’s nothing outdated about the riding in the Cairngorms on these stunning roads.
We love riding in Scotland: spectacular scenery, low levels of traffic, superbly twisty roads — often with good surfaces... it’s close to heaven. Some of it’s close to the cities, too — with main roads making the best riding easily accessible for travellers from the rest of the UK.Our route starts in Dundee — a great place to visit, with loads of historic attractions. But we’re here for the riding, which gets better the further north you go, into the Cairngorms. Of course, we’re not the only people who like riding in the mountains. Our day’s ride starts out on a popular route through Glen Shee, but we peel off to Alford and Banchory. Through the lower hills, you’re even more likely to have the roads entirely to yourself.
WORTH A VISIT: John Clark. You don’t have to be a BMW rider to enjoy a visit to the modern John Clark dealership. With friendly, knowledgeable staff as well as a showroom full of kit and bikes, it’s an island of biking culture on the outskirts of Dundee. www.john-clark.co.uk/bmw-motorrad
STAGE ONE
Dundee to Glenshee: 9 miles
Leave Dundee on the A90, towards Forfar and Aberdeen. After five miles of dual carriageway, turn left on to the A928 towards Kirriemuir and Glamis Castle. When you reach the A94, turn left towards Coupar Angus. After about seven miles you’ll pass through the village of Meigle: turn right onto the B954 to Alyth. Reaching a roundabout, turn left on the A926 to Blairgowrie. Ride into town and look for the right-turn for the A93 to Bridge of Cally — there will be brown signs for the Ski Centre. This is an amazing road, climbing into the hills, rushing along the broad glen.
Morning coffee: Glen Shee Ski Centre. The only café for miles around on the A93 is at the ski centre — so thank goodness it’s a great one. Hot food and drinks are available all year round. www.ski-glenshee.co.uk
SIGHTSEEING STOP: RRS Discovery. While it’s worth going up to the top of The Law, the hill overlooking Dundee with its spectacular views, we’d make sure to put aside enough time to also visit the Discovery.Built in 1900, Captain Scott’s ship is moored on the Tay in Dundee and is absolutely fascinating. Adult tickets cost £9. www.rrsdiscovery.comwww.english-heritage.org.uk
STAGE TWO
Glenshee to Alford: 60 miles
Continue along the A93, through Braemar and on towards Ballater. If you’re there between April and July, you could stop to visit the grounds of Balmoral, the Queen’s Scottish castle. Otherwise, stay on the A93 for another six miles — look out for the easy-to-miss left turn for the A939 to Tomintoul. After ten or 11 miles, turn right on the A944 to Alford (which becomes the A97 after a few miles). When it reaches a T-junction, turn right right on the A944 and take this road all the way to Alford.
Lunch: The Alford Bistro. Alford’s not a large town, but it has a few good lunch stops. We’d head straight for the Alford Bistro on the main street for proper home-cooked food.
STAGE THREE
Alford to Fettercairn: 42 miles
Leave Alford heading back the same way you rode into town, but keep your eyes peeled: after a mile, turn left on the A980 to Banchory. After seven miles it meets the B9119: go right then left across the staggered crossroads to stay on the A980. In the village of Lumphanan, turn left at the T-junction.When you get to the village of Torphins, turn right on the B993 towards Kincardine O’Neil. At the T-junction with the A93, turn left towards Aberdeen. At the traffic lights in Banchory, turn right on to the B974 to Fettercairn. Watch out coming into the village of Strachan, where you need to turn left to ensure that you stay on the B974.
Afternoon tea: The Arch Café and Bistro. There’s plenty of parking in the centre of the village of Fettercairn. On the other side of the mini-roundabout, only about 100 metres away, is the smart and comfortable Arch Café and Bistro — our tip for a cuppa.
STAGE FOUR
Fettercairn to Dundee: 34 miles
Leave Fettercairn on the B966 to Edzell, passing under the A90 into Brechin. At the mini-roundabout turn left and follow signs for the A933 to Arbroath (turn right after a tight left). Eight miles outside Brechin, turn right on the B961 to Redford. This meets the B9218 after about six miles: go right then left at the staggered crossroads to stay on the B961. At the top of the hill, turn right on the B961 to Kingennie, following this back to Dundee.
Start/finish – Dundee - Distance – 185 miles - Riding time: 5 hours