The route from Inverurie to Fyvie is 13.9 miles long with total climbing of 955 feet. Like most of Aberdeenshire the roads are rolling, but there is nothing that is overly difficult and so this route has been given a rating of 5.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. The largest livestock market in Scotland can be found just south of the town at Thainstone, and there is a train station with good links south to Aberdeen and north and west to Moray and Inverness.Starting close to the train station, you have to negotiate about one mile of Inverurie before crossing the Ury into the countryside. You head mainly north on this route, surrounded by the lovely farm and woodland that characterises so much of the north east of Scotland. The first 5.7 miles slowly go uphill, and whilst this section isnt difficult it might feel like a bit of a slog, especially if the wind is unfavourable. After a short flat section you hit the hardest climb of the day which lasts for 1.9 miles and takes you to the high point of 636 feet at mile 8.7.
You have already passed some Neolithic sites by this point. One of the best preserved examples of a stone circle can be found at mile 5.7 (Loanhead of Daviot) and there is a Pictish marked stone at mile 6.3. After the high point, the road is generally heading downhill, but there are still a couple of lumps to negotiate (obviously!) You pass through the wonderfully named Rothiebrisbane at mile 12.6, before skirting the Den of Rothie and Atnach Wood. You then cross the River Ugie and finish just 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 visit to Fyvie Castle (one mile north) is definitely recommended it dates from the early 13th century, though most of the existing buildings are 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 thiscannot be confirmed or denied by Ride the North. Fyvie is not a big town so you might want to pack some extra provisions, though ideally you will refuel with tea and cake at the castle itself.
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 Inverurie To Fyvie by Neil Innes on plotaroute.com
