The Deeside Way

The Deeside Way from Aberdeen to Ballater – complete set of 4 maps and guides.

Map 1 – Aberdeen to Banchory.

Map 2 – Banchory to Aboyne.

Map 3 – Aboyne to Dinnet.

Map 4 – Dinnet to Ballater.

The Deeside Way, one of the newest cycling and walking trails in Grampian, runs from Duthie Park in Aberdeen to the Old Royal Station in Ballater. It is an off-road pedestrian and cycle way that mainly follows the route of The Old Royal Deeside Railway Line. Ramps have been built at former bridge locations and new bridges constructed over streams and other obstacles. The route is mostly complete and the maps show in detail both the current path and trails through the short unfinished sections.
Running from east to west Map 1 covers the route through the suburbs of Aberdeen to the bustling town of Banchory. Map 2 shows the proposed and completed route from Banchory to Aboyne. To the west of Aboyne, Map 3 shows the route to Dinnet and also includes the many superb trails in the Glen Tanar Estate. Map 4 covers the north and east of Ballater and the Deeside Way from Dinnet, through Cambus O’May to Ballater.

Map 1 - The Deeside Way between Aberdeen and Banchory follows the route of the The Old Royal Deeside Railway Line. The trail is well maintained with only shallow gradients and is especially suited to both hikers and casual cyclists. Ramps have been built at former bridge locations and some new bridges constructed over streams and other obstacles. The trail is marked From Duthie Park in Aberdeen through leafy suburbs to Peterculter then heads southwest across rural Aberdeenshire. Passing close to Crathes and Drum Castle the route continues past the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society at Crathes on the way to Banchory.

Map 2 - West of Banchory the Deeside Way diverges from the route of the The Old Royal Deeside Railway Line. For part of the way the trail runs on the south side of the River Dee, then crosses back over to the north side at Potarch bridge and parallels the main road into Kincardine O’Neil. Some of the trail from Kincardine O’Neil to Aboyne has not been completed yet, but there is a proposed route. The map shows the possible route plus the alternate paths between Aboyne and Kincardine O’Neil.

Map 3 - This map and guide covers the Deeside Way between Aboyne and Dinnet and shows in detail the walking and biking trails of the Glen Tanar Estate. Also included is the Mounth Road leading to Mount Keen, and the Firmouth and Fungle Roads. There are three superb suggested routes, highlighted in colour on the map and suitable to all abilities.

Map 4 - This map and guide covers the Deeside Way between Dinnet and Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park. It is perfect for mountain biking and walking and includes Cambus O’May and Muir of Dinnet. There are also clearly marked trails around Loch Kinord with many routes that link to the Deeside Way. The map also covers some of the high ground just north of the Dee and includes a long classic bike ride around the Morven Loop

Please note: that Maps 3 and 4 in the Royal Deeside Series are the same as Maps 3 and 4 in the Trailmaps Deeside Way Series. Maps 1 and 2 in both series are different.

ISBN 978-1-906184-78-0