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Cycling the Queens View
📷 © Alan Reid (cc-by-sa/2.0)
The Queens View, near Tarland, is a Category 4 rated climb, not due to its steepness but its length. At three and a quarter miles, this is one of the longer road climbs in Aberdeenshire.
From the village of Tarland, the climb on the B9119 leads through open arable farm land passing the Culsh Earth House, an Iron Age below ground dwelling, to a view point at the top. The view is called Queen's View because it was claimed to be a favourite of Queen Victoria. It looks out over the Howe of Cromar to the distant mountains of Lochnagar in the center, Morven to the right and Mount Keen to the left.
📷 © Alan Reid (cc-by-sa/2.0)
The Queens View - Vital Statistics
Overall Length: 3.24 miles
Ave Gradient: 2.7%
Total Ascent: 466ft
Max Gradient: 6.6% at 0.88 miles
Highest Point: 928.5ft at finish
The Queens View Route Description
Although the ascent from Tarland to Queen's View starts at the bridge crossing the Tarland Burn, it is generally accepted that this classic Aberdeenshire ascent starts on the B9119, Aberdeen Road, between the junctions with Cromar Drive and School Road. From here you make your way out of the village and clear of the trees on a 6% gradient.
After about a third of a mile the gradient eases giving way to a short flat section and an imperceptible slight downhill before again starting to increase. Within a mile of the start you hit the steepest section at 6.6%, which fortunately only lasts for about 150 yards.
By now the countryside to your right is starting to open up and you start to see across the Howe of Cromar towards Aboyne. The road continues to snake upwards, at first with a shallow 2% before getting steeper as you approach the top where you can once again expect gradients around 6%.
When you get to the top it is definitely worth stopping and catching your breath at the view point where a marker points out the alignment of all the hills visible.
Route map for Queens View by Cycle Grampian on plotaroute.com
Profile
Facilities near The Queen's View
Nearest shops, bars etc in Aboyne and Tarland.
Mobile phone signal good all over.
Nearest cycle repair shops are in Aboyne.
Getting to the Queens View
Although the Queen's View is in the heart of Aberdeenshire it is relatively easy to get to.
From A90 Aberdeen
From the A90 Aberdeen by pass take the Westhill turnoff and head towards Westhill. Within a mile take the B9119 signposted Tarland and continue on this to you reach the village.
From the South
From Stonehaven, take the A957 Slug Road. At its junction with the A93 take a left signposted Banchory. Continue through Banchory to Aboyne where take the B9094 signposted Tarland.
From A9 Aviemore
From Aviemore head north and take the A95 to Speybridge. From here take the A937 to pass through Tomintoul and cross the Lecht. Continue to take the A944, and then the A97 for 4 mile where take a left signposted Tarland.
Other Classic Climbs to Try
The Lecht (South)
Distance: 2.58 miles Ascent:931 ft
Gradient; 5.6%Ave 20.4%Max
📷 by "Where The Bike Takes Me"
On the A939 the climb starts from Cockbridge. It may have a few undulations along the way, but that doesn't make it any easier!
Cairn O’Mount (South)
Distance: 2.07 miles Ascent: 1049 ft
Gradient: 9.8%Ave 18.6%Max
On the B974 this category 3 road climb starts from Clatterin Brig and continues without respite until reaching the viewpoint at the top.
My Lord's Throat
Distance: 0.75 miles Ascent:256ft
Gradient; 6.5% Ave 11.1%Max
On perhaps Aberdeenshire's most beautiful road, this friendly climb lulls you into a false sense of security. A steady start, a steep ramp, with a gradual tailing off.
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.
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.
