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Cycling My Lord's Throat
My Lord's Throat, is a 1.2km (0.75 mile) uncategorised road climb between the villages of Monymusk and Keig.
The name "My Lord's Throat" is commonly applied to the entire length of the minor road that runs for the best part of 6 miles, more or less parallel to the River Don. However the OS map depicts My Lord's Throat as the hill where the road turns upward and away from the river, as you approach the Castle Forbes estate. The Lord's Throat road, as it is often referred to, is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful roads in Aberdeenshire, especially in autumn when the leaves of many of the trees that line the road turn various shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown.
The short sharp climb gained international recognition when it featured in the first stage of the 2022 Tour of Britain.
My Lord's Throat - Vital Statistics
Overall Distance: 0.75 miles
Climbing Distance: 0.75 miles
Descent Distance: 0.0 miles
Flat: 0.0 miles
Total Ascent: 256 ft
Longest Ascent: 0.75 miles
Longest Descent: 0.0 miles
Highest Point: 630 ft at 0.75 miles
Total Descent: 0 ft
Steepest Ascent: 11.1% at 0.47 miles
Steepest Descent: N/A
Ave Gradient: 6.5%
My Lord's Throat Route Description
My Lord's Throat is a friendly ascent. It is not a brute like the Cairn O'Mount climb, or a long, steep, exposed climb like the Lecht. It is far more more cuddly. It is a climb where you are enveloped by the trees and made to feel safe. The sheer beauty of the climb distracts you from the pain in your legs. You get to the top feeling that you have worked with the road, rather than it working against you. You get to the top and you want to thank the road, as you would a friend, for having a good time. But don't be beguiled, it is still hard work.
The climb starts some 4.2 miles along the stunning Lord's Throat road. By the time you reach the start of the ascent you will have put in a good few feet of climbing, so don't overdo it if you are planning on bagging a good Strava time.
As you would expect from a friend, there is a gentle introduction with the gradient taking 40m to reach 4%. The tarmac now starts to rise, and over the next 150m you will enter the forest and puff your way up to 9.3%. The gradient eases slightly, and the road ahead disappears to the left. As you approach the bend, the gradient imperceptibly rises and you only realise this friendly trick as you automatically change to a lower gear. Rounding the bend you encounter a sustained section of just over 400m at 9 to 10%. This section ends with another shallow bend, again to the left. This time however the gradient eases gradualy droping back to a modest 2% just before the summit.
Profile
Facilities near My Lord's Throat
Free parking in Monymusk, Kemnay and Alford.
Public Toilets in Alford.
Cafes in Monymusk, Kemnay and Alford. See our Aberdeenshire Cafes page for details.
Getting to My Lord's Throat
From Monymusk
From Monymusk, head north on a minor road towards Pitfichie. After about 1 mile (1.6 km), turn right at a cross roads and follow signs for Chapel of Garioch and Lord’s Throat. After about ¾ mile (1.2 km) take a left turn signposted Keig and My Lord's Throat.
From Kemnay
From Kemnay, take Riverside Rd, and continue to pass Blairdaff Church. Shortly after the Church, bear left and continue until you pass the Sir Arthur Grant Centre. Take the 1st right, and the end take another right. The Lord's Throat Road is a 100m further, on the left.
From Alford
From Alford take the A944 towards Aberdeen for 3 miles. At Whitehouse take a left onto the B992, signed Keig. At the cross roads take a right, signed Insch. After 200m take a right onto the Lord's Throat Road.
Other Classic Climbs to Try
Suie (North)
Distance: 1.3 miles Ascent:560ft
Gradient; 8.4%Ave 22.5%Max
📷 Stanley Howe (cc-by-sa/2.0)
On the Suie road from Clatt the climb starts just after the junction with the Leslie road. A steady start, a steep ramp, and a long sustained push.
Queen's View
Distance: 3.25 miles Ascent:930ft
Gradient; 2.7%Ave 7.2%Max
📷 © Alan Reid (cc-by-sa/2.0)
On the B9119 the climb starts as you exit Tarland. A kick to start, a recovery flat then 2.5 miles of sustained climbing with stunning views back down the hill.
Cycling Books
If you fancy travelling out of Aberdeenshire, and pitting yourself against some of the nationally, and internationally renowned cycling climbs then start your research with these books available from Amazon.
