The route from Ellon to Inverurie runs south and then west and is 15.4 miles long with 925 feet of ascending. This is a relatively short and easy cycle and has been given a difficulty rating of 5.Ellon sits on the River Ythan and you should visit the ruins of Ellon Castle as well as the Auld Brig which dates back to 1793. Ellon is also home to the headquarters of Brewdog, which started from a garage in 2007 and has now become a global business with turnover in the hundreds of millions. You can tour the brewery, and enjoy a beer at the tap-room on site.From Ellon town centre you will cross the Ythan and head due south for 2.7 miles before turning west Bennachie and the Mithertap, a few miles west of Inverurie, will dominate the views all the way to the finish line. You actually head consistently uphill for 11.8 miles from Ellon, where you reach the high point of 548 feet. Whilst not difficult, you may find it a bit of a slog, especially if the west wind is blowing. You will be cycling in farm and woodland, mainly in the Formartine area of Aberdeenshire. This is a well populated part of the north east so the roads might be quite busy and you should use caution.
At 7.2 miles you will pass through the pretty village of Udny Green, which is a good place for a pitstop. At mile 10 you will pass the remains of St Marys Chapel, and you pass close to the remains of a stone circle at Sheldon (mile 11.5). Just before entering Inverurie you will pass Keith Hall which incorporates the original Caskieben Castle, built in the 13th century. A wander around the park, woodlands, walled garden and formal garden is well worth it. The road descends into Inverurie, crossing the River Ury just before the finish line in the town centre.Inverurie is the largest town in Aberdeenshire with a population of around 14,000, and is known locally as the Centre of the Garioch (pronounced Geery). The town was founded in 1308, though its first mention in royal charters isnt until 1558. If outdoor history is your thing, then the Easter Aquhorthies stone circle dating back to the 3rd century BC is worth a visit, as is the Pictish stone symbol known as the Brandsbutt Stone. There is an excellent range of shops and eateries in the town, as well as a regular farmers market. The largest livestock market in Scotland can be found just south of the town at Thainstone.
By clicking on the play symbol on the graphic below you can see route map. The elevation profile of the ride can be seen via the Hills tab with files for use with a GPS device also available for download. If you take any photos of the route that youd like to share, please submit to neil@velodays.comOnward rides from Inverurie can be found here
Route map for Ellon To Inverurie by Neil Innes on plotaroute.com