DAVID AND FAMILY’S ROUTE

START/FINISH: Ballater

DISTANCE: 48km / 30 miles

ASCENT: 644m / 2112ft

DURATION: We spent 3 nights to bikepack this route, with two full days and two short ones.

Our route began and ended at Ballater, a picturesque and well-appointed town in Aberdeenshire. In the week before we were due to leave, traffic restrictions were introduced in Glen Muick, and I took this and photos of traffic jams as a sign that we should avoid it by bike. Those restrictions are back in place for this season, with the National Park operating a ‘one in, one out’ policy once the car park is full, while they construct new car parking areas.

The Cambus of May bridge was out of action due to flooding but is now open and traversable again. The route over the moors is rough and tough for young kids or heavy loads and camping spots in Glen Tanar are hard to come by due to continuous tree cover. Aboyne is quieter than Ballater but there is a village store and café.

The Deeside Way follows an old railway line and is a joy to pedal as a family – flat, straight and beautiful. Obvious camping opportunities are again a little limited but there are quiet spots just a little way off the path. Riverside camping may attract the attention of estate staff, although these interactions should always be civil.

Find more information on the Deeside Way at deesideway.org