A linear, out and back, route to Haddo with some interesting diversions
Leave Oldmeldrum via Kirk Brae past the golf course and head to Tarves via Craigdam on quiet roads. Maybe stop for a coffee at The Murly Tuck cafe in the square.
In Tarves take some time to explore the old churchyard just off the square. The Tolquhon Tomb was constructed for Sir William Forbes, laird of the newly-built Tolquhon Castle, in 1589.
Leave Tarves via the recently created grass and gravel paths that circle round the back of the church and other buildings and join up with the B999 heading east towards Pitmedden. Follow the road east and then southeast passing the turn for Haddo on your left and taking the second left minor road to head up to the Prop of Ysthie carpark. You can leave the bike in the carpark and follow the signed paths up to the Prop itself on foot. The Prop of Ysthie is an Impressive stone tower, built in 1861/62 as a monument to the Prime Minister, George Hamilton-Gordon, fourth Earl of Aberdeen. The tower dominates the landscape and provides fantastic 360 degree views from the top.
Back on the bike, continue east and uphill for a few hundred metres and then take the first farm track to your right. Don’t worry, you are allowed to exercise responsible access on tracks like this. Follow the gravel track for a short distance before veering left, still on a rough track, to discover the very neat South Ysthie stone circle on a slightly elevated position amongst the arable fields. Some folk make a point of touching every stone before leaving.
Now retrace your tracks back towards Tarves but turn right at Bridgefoot Croft to head up to Haddo. Here you will find cafes, toilets and, of course, Haddo House itself. This Palladian mansion, designed by George Adam, stands in the midst of a beautiful estate, gardens and designed landscape. The house was the seat of the Gordons, the Earls of Aberdeen and is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
From Haddo House, leave the estate via the home farm and estate offices to rejoin the public road at the Bridge of Thornroan. Turn left and follow the roadside path, crossing the public road and returning to Tarves along the track past Little Raxton, turn left upon reaching the burn following the uneven, grassy track and emerging back up into the village beside the church. From Tarves return to Oldmeldrum via Craigdam and Oldmeldrum golf course.
This route is 30 km with several off-road sections.
Some grassy sections may not be suitable following wet weather but can be avoided.
Chunky tyres will be an advantage on the grassy sections.
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