The route from Fraserburgh to Strichen is quite short at 11 miles and only has 594 feet of climbing, and so has been given a difficulty rating of 4. You head almost due south from Fraserburgh, and only a strong headwind will make this feel tougher than its rating.Known locally as The Broch (an Iron Age, drystone structure and the old Scots word for fort), Fraserburgh is a major fishing port specialising in shellfish, white fish and pelagic. The town was founded in the early 16th century by the Fraser family, and the first harbour was built in 1590. If you have time, you could visit Kinnaird Head Lighthouse or the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. The town is also famous for its array of impressive 19th century churches.You start from the main harbour in Fraserburgh and have to navigate the north and west side of town before hitting the countryside after 1.7 miles. You steadily rise for the first 8.8 miles (so most of the route basically!) but the only proper hills are at mile 4.9 and mile 7.7. There are no specific tourist sites on route, but you will be cycling through pretty farmland on quiet roads. The high point of 331 feet is reached at mile 8.8, and you then start to descent. You join the River Ugie for the last mile before arriving in Strichen and finishing in the centre of the village
Strichen in an interesting place and there is considerable evidence of ancient settlements nearby, including the Strichen Stone Circle and the Catto Long Barrow south of the town. The most significant building is the Town House, a superb example of early 19th century architecture. Nearby Mormond Hill is fascinating for its historical mix. The hill is littered with disused satellites and masts which are the remnants of US communications posts from the Cold War, and you can also see the Strichen White Horse and the Strichen White Stag. The Buchan and Formartine Way passes just south of the village. Opened in the early 1990s, it is classed as one of Scotlands Great Trails and runs for 53 miles along the former railway. It is well used by cyclists, walkers and horse riders. As Strichen is quite small, you might want to take some extra provisions with you.
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 Strichen can be found here
Route map for Fraserburgh To Strichen by Neil Innes on plotaroute.com
