3.8
(5)
47
riders
6
rides
Gravel biking around Methlick offers routes through a landscape characterized by woodland paths, river valleys, and rolling countryside. The region, situated in Aberdeenshire, features a mix of agricultural land and historical sites, providing varied terrain for gravel cyclists. Elevations are generally moderate, with some routes including more significant climbs.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.0
(2)
27
riders
49.4km
03:17
340m
340m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
9
riders
45.7km
03:06
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
5
riders
76.0km
04:48
820m
820m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
107km
06:42
960m
960m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
riders
43.9km
02:36
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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perfect for beginners like myself and wife, we would have gone further if we had more time👌
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The Formartine and Buchan railway line connects Dyce in Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. It's a popular path with cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, horse riders etc. Some sections are nice and wide, while others are more single track. There are a number of gates on the route, which are quite narrow. The path is slowly being improved in sections to facilitate better access.
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The Formartine and Buchan cycle and walking trail crosses the River Don here. You can see a gauging station just upstream, past the power lines.
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Maud, formerly known as Brucklay is a quaint village that once served as a crucial junction for the Fraserburgh and Peterhead railway lines. The station, a lasting testament to its historical significance, now houses the Formartine & Buchan Railway Museum. Note that the museum operates seasonally during the summer, so it's advisable to check the opening times before planning your visit.
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This part of the trail passes through a couple of small forests before reaching Maud. It cuts under former railway tunnels along a smooth accessible surfaces, making it suitable for wheelchair users and cyclists as well as hikers. At Maud, you have two choices. Firstly, decide whether to visit the village. The path splits – the left takes you into the village centre, and the right bypasses it. It's worth exploring Maud, where you'll find shops, cafes, a hotel, and the Formartine and Buchan Railway Museum. Secondly, you need to choose whether to continue to Peterhead or take a detour to Fraserburgh. Both stick to the former railway line, and offer fine scenery throughout.
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Here, the Formartine and Buchan Trail cuts through the peaceful Logierieve Wood. The path is accompanied by a display of willows, offering a canopy of shade through this section.
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Here you’ll pass over the River Don, a tranquil waterway which originates in the Grampian Mountains, specifically in the Peatlands of Aberdeenshire. It flows eastward through Aberdeenshire, passing through various towns and eventually empties into the North Sea at Aberdeen.
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Lovely indoor and outdoor seating with views over the River Don. Order at the bar. Pizza, burgers, Sunday roast, cakes and coffee.
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There are 7 gravel bike trails available around Methlick, offering a mix of moderate and difficult routes through the region's diverse landscape.
While all listed routes are moderate to difficult, the region's terrain, characterized by woodland paths and river valleys, can be explored by beginners on shorter, less challenging sections. For a moderate introduction, consider parts of the Logierieve Wood – River Don at Dyce loop from Ellon, which features pleasant woodland and riverside sections.
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, the The Coffee Apothecary – Tolquhon Castle Ruins loop from Methlick is a difficult 76.0 km route with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Platform 5 Cafe – Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop loop from Methlick, which spans over 100 km.
Many of Methlick's gravel routes traverse quiet rural landscapes and woodland paths, making them suitable for families with some cycling experience. The moderate routes, such as the Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop – Deer Abbey loop from Ellon, offer a good balance of distance and terrain for a family outing, especially if you plan for shorter sections.
Yes, all the featured gravel bike routes around Methlick are circular loops. This includes popular options like the Logierieve Wood – River Don at Dyce loop from Ellon and the Logierieve Wood – The Coffee Apothecary loop from Tarves, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
Gravel biking around Methlick offers diverse scenery, including tranquil woodland paths, picturesque river valleys, and rolling agricultural countryside. You'll also encounter historical sites and charming rural landscapes throughout your ride.
Absolutely. Many routes pass by or near historical landmarks. For instance, the The Coffee Apothecary – Tolquhon Castle Ruins loop from Methlick takes you past the impressive Tolquhon Castle Ruins. Other nearby attractions include Gight Castle Ruins and Fyvie Castle.
Many of the gravel routes around Methlick start from nearby towns like Ellon or Tarves, where public parking is generally available. For routes directly from Methlick, local parking options can be found near the village center or designated trailheads. Always check local signage for parking regulations.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Methlick, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The paths are typically drier during these periods, making for a more enjoyable ride.
Yes, some routes are designed to incorporate local establishments. For example, the Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop – Deer Abbey loop from Ellon starts near a cafe, and the The Coffee Apothecary – Tolquhon Castle Ruins loop from Methlick is named after a local coffee spot (The Coffee Apothecary), providing convenient refreshment stops.
The gravel biking routes in Methlick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful woodland sections, and the opportunity to explore historical sites along the way.
Gravel bike trails around Methlick vary in distance. You can find routes ranging from approximately 44 km, like the Logierieve Wood – The Coffee Apothecary loop from Tarves, up to over 100 km for more challenging expeditions, such as the Platform 5 Cafe – Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop loop from Methlick.
The duration of gravel bike rides in Methlick depends on the route's distance and difficulty, as well as your pace. Moderate routes like the Logierieve Wood – River Don at Dyce loop from Ellon typically take around 4 hours, while longer, more difficult trails can extend to 8 hours or more.


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