Cycling

​

Whether your interests lie in road cycling or mountain biking Ballater makes an excellent base from which to explore the various trails in the area.  

​

For Mountain Bikers we have the local 5-star rated Heartbreak Ridge as well as the newly relaunched Tarland Trails which is drawing in cyclists from around the world to attempt the trails at all levels of challenge.

​

Road cyclists will enjoy the quiet local roads but also the challenging climbs in the area.  To the north lies the climb to Donside (20%) and on to The Lecht (23%) - rated one of Scotland's top cycling climbs.  To the south east is the climb to Cairn O'Mount and the south-west holds the climb to Glen Shee.  Flat cyclists will enjoy the ride down the various glens or alternatively along the Deeside Way towards Aberdeen.

​

Why not bring your bicycle or alternatively there are two bike hire outlets in the village.

​

For cyclists we have secure storage in or garage for up to ten bicycles.  There are bicycle stands for four bikes and others can be leant against the wall.  There is a socket in the garage to charge one bike.  Tools are available in case you need to do any running repairs.  In the garden there is a tap with hose fitted and a power jet nozzle in case you need to give your bike a wash.

​

In the house there is a drying room and a selection of cycling books and maps.

​

If you want something even more challenging then The Gordon is proud to offer a night of rest to cyclists completing the "Le-Jog" or Land's End to John O'Groats cycle route with both Peak Tours and Saddle Skedaddle travel agencies.

​

In both 2022 and 2023 the Tour of Britain passed through Ballater before the top road cyclists tackled the climb up Glen Shee.  Below the cyclists pass The Gordon Guest House in 2023.