The best traffic-free bike rides around Meikle Loch

There are 16 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Meikle Loch, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Aberdeenshire landscape.

The routes around Meikle Loch offer varied terrain, from relatively flat sections to rolling hills. For example, the RNAS Longside Airship Base loop from Hatton is an easier ride with around 235 meters of elevation gain, while routes like the Forest Path to the Cliff Path – Slains Castle Ruins loop from Hatton feature moderate climbs, reaching up to 387 meters of elevation.

Yes, there are several easier routes suitable for families. For instance, the RNAS Longside Airship Base loop from Hatton is classified as easy, making it a good option for a more relaxed family outing. The wider Aberdeenshire area also features the Formartine and Buchan Way, a 40-mile mostly flat, off-road path that is excellent for family cycling.

Cycling around Meikle Loch offers glimpses of its protected status as a Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, important for overwintering geese and breeding terns. Many routes also take you near the dramatic coastal scenery of the Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve, known for its extensive sand dunes and sea cliffs. You might also encounter geological points of interest like Kippet Hills.

The roads around Meikle Loch are generally quieter than major thoroughfares, especially outside of peak tourist season. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, offering mild weather and the chance to observe migratory birds around the loch. During early autumn, you might even see up to 20,000 pink-footed geese. Summer provides longer daylight hours, but can be busier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Many of the routes around Meikle Loch are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Forvie Centre – Slains Castle Ruins loop from Ellon, which offers a comprehensive tour of the coastal and rural landscapes.

Many routes often start from nearby towns or villages like Hatton, Collieston, or Newburgh, where public parking facilities are typically available. For routes originating from Hatton, you can find suitable parking to begin your ride, such as for the Greenheads Waterworks – Hobshill loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's quiet, well-maintained roads, the stunning coastal views, and the opportunity to experience Aberdeenshire's diverse natural beauty away from heavy traffic.

Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, routes like the Slains Castle Ruins – Forvie Centre loop from Ellon cover over 56 kilometers with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a moderate challenge while still focusing on quieter roads.

Absolutely. Meikle Loch is a significant wildlife haven, particularly for birds. Cyclists can enjoy the open landscapes around the loch, which are crucial for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. The nearby Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve is also home to large colonies of eider ducks and terns, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.

While Meikle Loch itself is a natural reserve, the surrounding villages and towns such as Collieston, Newburgh, Ellon, and Hatton, which serve as common starting points for these routes, offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and sometimes accommodation options. It's advisable to check opening times, especially in smaller villages.