Located in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Insch offers sweeping views of the iconic Mither Tap and Bennachie peaks, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Insch benefits from excellent transport links, including its own railway station, offering direct connections to Aberdeen and nearby towns — making it an ideal destination for hiring a bike and exploring the local area.
Route Planning
Great journey planner for bikes –it’s open source so any cycle routes added to OpenStreetMap appear here: www.cyclestreets.net
For public transport to/from Insch, plan your journey at www.travelinescotland.com
Local Trips
Lock your bike a the base of the hill, and hike up Hill of Dunideer to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and explore the ruins of Dunideer Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest surviving tower houses. A visit to St Drostan’s Church offers further insight into the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Leith Hall, Garden and Estate is a 45 minute cycle away – a stunning National Trust for Scotland site, with plenty of bicycle parking. Take a guided tour, spot wildlife on a walk, boost your energy in the café or choose a souvenir from the shop.
Local Scenery
Further Afield
Picking up a bike from Insch, explore the rolling countryside on two wheels.
The below routes are taken from Cycle Grampian:
- Heading Southeast (25km round trip): Bennachie Visitor Centre serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Bennachie hill range and surrounding forest. Visitors can discover the area’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and the stories of those who once lived on the hill.
- The Newton Loop (15km round trip): along this lovely route you will pass the entrance to the ruins of Dunnideer Castle, thought to be the earliest tower-house on the Scottish mainland. Continuing along this road you will cross the Shevock River, and, after a steep climb, you can enjoy a rewarding descent back into Inch.
- The Lenchie Loop (13km round trip): head to the Bennachie Leisure Centre and then, along a wonderful avenue of beech trees, head to Picardy Stone. Go up in the direction of the Gartly Moor, and back towards Insch through the Hill of Foundland.
- The Scotston Loop (14km round trip): head North towards Largie and continue to Wrangham’s direction before descending back into Insch.
Whether you choose your own route or explore one of the suggested loops, be sure to make time to take a break at any one of the cafes or pubs, or indulge in some local retail therapy!
For further inspiration and suggestions for places to eat, take a look at visitabdn.com