This is a second version of the route between Huntly and Fyvie. Initial map research suggested that it was possible to link to the minor roads without riding on the fast/busy A96 leaving Huntly. The crucial path does not quite join up, so this ride has been routes north to Rothiemay before going in east towards Fyvie. This explains why it’s 27 miles and longer than we’d really planned. It has been now given a score of 7. 
The town of Huntly has had settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. There is an excavated Iron-Age fort on the edge of town, as well as numerous Pictish remains and stones. The town is the historic home of the Gordon Highlanders Regiment, and the ruined castle is worth a visit. If you are looking for some sustenance before your efforts, the shortbread maker Deans has its HQ (and a caf) in the town. There is a train station in Huntly with good links south to Aberdeen and north west in to Moray and Inverness.Starting in the Market Square, the route heads steadily uphill towards Rothiemay, from where there route is much more fixed upon the minor roads. Its then mainly downhill all the way to Fyvie, with a couple of fairly easy climbs at miles 13 and 15.3.From mile 13 around Corse the route climbs quite significantly. The high point at mile 16-17 is between Broom Hill and Kirk Hill, and you should get some panoramic views over the whole of Aberdeenshire. You will pass the Wells of Ythan after 8.4 miles before cycling through Meadowhead Wood and passing the remains of a Roman camp at Glenmellan. You will pass an old castle at the wonderfully named Rothiebrisbane, which may or may not have given its name to the city in Australia! You then cycle past the Den of Rothie before crossing the River Ythan and finishing at a picnic site immediately south of Fyvie.Fyvie is in the Formartine area of Aberdeenshire. It is worth seeking out St Peters Church which has Pictish symbols and crosses built in to the east gable. A mile from the village is Fyvie Castle which dates from the early 13th century, though most of the building is newer. The gardens were beautifully landscaped during the 19th century, and the whole estate was passed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1984. The castle is said to be haunted, though this cannot be confirmed or denied by Ride the North. You should be able to refuel at the castle, but you might want to take some extra provisions just in case.
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 Fyvie can be found here
Route map for Huntly To Fyvie (via Rothiemay) by Neil Innes on plotaroute.com
