Balabo one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Balabo here.

This route follows part of the 66km long Deeside Way long-distance trail between Aberdeen and Ballater along the old railway line. The Deeside Way is route 195 of the National Cycle Network, and is waymarked along the length of its route.

As this Slow Way is the old railway line, all gradients on the route are gentle, and the path is suitable for all levels of cyclists and may also be suitable for wheelchair/mobility scooter access. It is also used by walkers, dog-walkers and horse riders.

The Slow Way begins from the Old Station building in Ballater, which houses the Visit Scotland tourist office, heading east. Shortly after leaving town, the route crosses the main A93, then continues on through the farm settlement of Tullich, past the historic church, to Cambus o'May (4.5km from Ballater). The route through Cambus continues on the old railway line, though there is a narrow path closer to the river, not suitable for bikes, which has better views and is further from the road for the next km.

The Cambus o'May Suspension bridge (6.1km from Ballater) has recently been restored after storm damage, and there is a picnic area nearby and a small parking area. The nearby Old Cambus Station is a private residence.

The Slow Way continues on the old railway line to Dinnet (10.5km from Ballater), crossing the Firmounth road just before Old Dinnet station, also a private residence. On the edge of Aboyne, the route passes the airfield of the Deeside Gliding Club (13.5km from Ballater), which has a large parking area with picnic tables to watch the action on the airfield.

Around 1km from the Gliding club, the Slow Way crosses the A93 again, to follow the Deeside Way into Aboyne. The route runs along the old railway line behind a residential area, to emerge into the town centre next to the Aboyne and Glen Tanar Victory Hall.

Ballater has several options for accommodation, including a hostel, restaurants, takeaway food and cafes, and several shops, including a Co-op supermarket and an outdoor shop.
Cambus o'May has a bakery with a cafe, and a small cheese factory with a cafe. Both have toilets for customers.
Dinnet has a hotel, with a restaurant/cafe, and other accommodation options.
Aboyne has several options for accommodation, restaurants, takeaway food, and cafes, and a large Co-op supermarket.

There are bus stops at Cambus o'May and Dinnet, for services to Ballater and Aboyne (and further afield on Deeside, including into Aberdeen). This is the best, and most direct route available between Ballater and Aboyne.

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