Cycling in Moray
We wanted to share how amazing cycling in Moray is for a while and now the UCI Cycling World Championships are taking place in Scotland in August the time is never better.
Road, Gravel or Mountain cycling in Moray?
There are endless ‘back’ roads in Moray which are perfect for road cycling. Likewise, the choice of flat, hilly or a view for miles is truly yours. Have a look on insta for the Moray Gravel Collective – they have lots of tips and organise lots of events in Moray.
The Moray Gravel Triangle has something for everyone across three of the areas most popular cycle routes. The three legs of the journey take in the stunning coastline, rolling countryside and pure peace of the Dava moor. Read more about the Speyside Way, the Moray Coastal Trail and the Dava Way at Moray Speyside.
The Monster Trails at Fochabers or the Glenlivet Bike Centre have a great trails for everyone. The Fochabers Ring is a red-grade ride, offering big thrills. Alternatively, you can begin at Ordiequish for the blue trails. Similarly, at Glenlivet, the family-friendly trails include a blue trail while the red trail provides challenges for the experienced.
Ed’s Favourite Cycles
Ed is a keen regular cyclist who enjoys the social aspect of cycling whilst getting out and exploring the roads and trails on his road, gravel bike or trusty mountain bike.
Ed’s first favourite is suited to a gravel (or mountain) bike. Roseisle Forest and Coastal path is a mixed ride of road and forest trails, which can be easily accessed from Duffus. The main forest tracks offer family friendly riding besides the many small single tracks to explore for the more adventurous. Depending on your route it is 15-20 miles long and will take 1-2 hours. Check out Ed’s Strava Route here.
Then there is road cycling from Duffus to Garmouth over the back roads. A nice flat cycle of 35 miles which usually takes around 2-3 hours. The bonus with this cycle is the Speyside Coffee Roasting Co Cafe with delicious coffee roasted on site as well as amazing cakes. Check out Ed’s Strava route route.
Finally of the favourites is an intermediate skill cycle, leaving Duffus and taking in Rafford, Dallas, Knockando and Archiestown along the way. This is a 60 mile cycle expected to take 3.5 – 4.5 hours with some challenging elevations. Check out Ed’s Strava route here.
Family Fun Cycling
Caroline prefers a more leisurely cycle on her second-hand mountain bike. Caroline’s first favourite is to set off from Duffus. From here you can cycle to Kula for coffee and cake and a hot chocolate with marshmallows for the kids. Furthermore, the whole route is off-road and Kula has the benefit of the all important Bike Maintenance Station.
Next on Caroline’s list is a day cycling to Burghead from Duffus and back again. This follows the cycle path from Duffus all the way to Burghead. Besides a great cycle, Caroline enjoys re-fuelling with a raspberry ripple ice-cream at Stew ‘n’ Drews or a Kombucha at The Bootleggers Bar & Grill in Hopeman.
Once everyone is refreshed and ready to go, it is a gorgeous cycle past the Cummingstown stacks (fab climbing spot). Caroline’s ready for lunch now, luckily the Bothy Bistro is situated in Burghead. Families with bikes are welcome (there is room to leave the bikes at the rear).
Although you are using the same cycle track to head back to Duffus, the views are quite different. Likewise if you keep an eye on the sea you might just be fortunate enough to see the Moray Firth dolphins.
Lastly, Caroline loves a day out cycling in Roseisle with the family. Roseisle Forest has ample parking, a play area, and toilets which are open year round. Moreover there is direct access to east cycle tracks for everyone to have fun on. Caroline loves to bring along a packed lunch to enjoy a picnic on the beach mid-cycle, then head back to the car after a fab day out.
Bike Maintenance – Repairs
Junners Cycles is a brilliant new cycle shop in Hopeman, continuing a family legacy and love of all things cycling. If you need a repair or some help with your bike, contact Ally on 07842245267 or find out more at www.junnerscycles.co.uk
Equally important, the Bike Maintenance Station at Kula has all you need for a quick adjustment, from a pump to an array of spanners and allen keys.
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