Cafe Ride No 4 – Oldmeldrum – Chapel of Garioch – Keithhall Circuit
A circular route taking in some interesting prehistoric sites and, of course, a fantastic cafe.
The route leaves Oldmeldrum along the A920 Colpy road, turn towards Lochter Activity Centre (Cafe) and then head to Daviot to visit the Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle.
Leave Daviot heading south west and continue on quiet roads to Whiteford and cross the A96 at Pitcaple. There’s a steady climb up to Chapel of Garioch where you can take a break at the Old Post Office cafe. A few hundred metres further to the west you will find the Maiden Stone, a Pictish standing stone by the roadside. You can also explore a little further west to find a striking statue of Persephone surrounded by woodland.
Retuning again to Chapel of Garioch carry on south east and downhill to pass by the ruins of the Castle of Balquhain, turn right here and head towards Inverurie on quiet roads. At Polinar Dam turn left to cross the A96 again at the Upperboat bridge. Pass along St James Place and turn right at the traffic lights to head to KeithHall. The entrance to the core path is just beyond the gatehouse. This is a gravel track that curves around the estate. Don’t ride up the drive towards the main house.
Ride through the estate on the private road which is also a core path. Leave KeithHall via the western gatehouse and turn right to climb towards Bourtie passing Lofthillock farm on your right. There are stunning views from this road looking south and west. Near the summit you will pass yet another stone circle before beginning the final run back down to Oldmeldrum.
Route map for Ladies Cycle Run 2 – 22nd June 2025 by Richard Elliott on plotaroute.com