Cycling North around Dundee

Enjoy another slice of cycling fun with our intrepid Adventurers as they enjoy cycling north around Dundee and exploring the Sidlaws and more….

Hi everyone! We’re Hannah, Anja & Emma – three current/ex University of Dundee students who love getting outside and getting our adventure on. We’ve lived in Dundee for a good few years now and are always out and about exploring so feel like we know the area around Dundee pretty well. We LOVE this area so much and can’t wait to tell other people about our favourite places.

This blog has a few different options of rides around the Camperdown area of Dundee which is just North of the city. Camperdown is a large public park which provides a true escape into the outdoors within minutes of the city centre. We have a beginner, intermediate and advanced route for you to decide which suits you and your day best. Let us know how you get on and tag @visitdundee and @more.2explore in any pictures! Check out our other blogs to see different route ideas heading in the other directions from the city – we have one heading showcasing Dundee to Fife cycle routes and a future post with routes heading North East along the coast. 

This ride starts in Camperdown park which is a large park at the North West side of Dundee. The park has a car park as an option if you have a car to start here, or is around a 7km/30 minute cycle from Dundee Cycle Hub located in the centre of Dundee.

Dundee Cycle Hub is a fantastic social enterprise project which boasts a cafe and bike shop. Bike servicing and hire is available so if your bike didn’t fit in the suitcase you can ask in advance to hire a bike for a day and try out one of these rides. Forgot some essential spares or want to grab a coffee and check out some other local routes? These friendly faces have got you sorted.

Option A – Beginner

Distance = 10.33km
Elevation = 153m
Estimated Time = 1 – 2 hours
Surface Type = Farm track, forest paths and some small sections of road.

This route is suitable for those who would like to try off-road riding. This route takes you along the outskirts of Camperdown up into Templeton woods. From here there are lots of different small trails to take you through to the woods along and onto a farm track. This route is around 10km (which can be increased by your own personal exploration through the woods!).

Follow this farm track to the end of the road. There is an option here to turn back through the woods to the car, or if you are caffeine and cake fuelled like us… the Pinecone cafe is just a mere 5 minutes away by bike along a road and is a great cosy stop before making your way home!! The great thing about these woods is that although we have given you this route as a suggestion, there are lots of trails you can take to mix it up if you wish to come up to Templeton again! Templeton also has their very own MTB skills area, with a red and blue trail!

Option B – Intermediate

Distance = 17.51km
Elevation = 210m
Estimated Time = 1h45 – 3 hours
Surface type = singletrack, forest paths and countryside roads.

Starting also at Camperdown, this route is a progression from our beginner route and takes you through some of Dundee’s finest countryside. This route contains some road sections to connect some nice off-road paths and singletrack. You will also pass one of Dundee’s best family-owned farm shops, Grewars Farm Shop. The farm shop sells their own eggs and vegetables and other locally sourced goods.

The route also heads along the Old Railway Line which starts from the edge of Dundee and heads off road all the way to Auchterhouse – a fantastic find if you prefer being off-road! We managed to spot some little ‘Fairy’ doors and houses along the trails which was such a lovely surprise. Definitely something to look out for when you are in these woods.

Option C – Advanced

Distance = 27.81km
Elevation = 413m
Estimated Time = 2h45 – 4h
Surface Type = Forest paths, single track and country roads

Escape the city into the hills by following this route! Starting from Camperdown again, this route takes you along the old railway line out of Dundee to Auchterhouse. From here, some quiet country roads will connect you to some lower singletrack trails at Balkello – at the base of the Sidlaw hills. Heading home through some singletrack in Dronley back onto the old railway line, along some country roads and back to some forest trails at Clatto country park. Returning to the start point through Templeton, there is the option to take one of their red or blue mountain bike trails through the woods to round up the ride. 

This ride doesn’t pass many cafes so remember to bring spares and food with you! But thankfully Dundee has plenty of options of local cafes, pubs and restaurants at your disposal when you return to re-fuel!

We can’t think of anything better after a busy day cycling north around Dundee than sitting down at one of our favourite spots to eat and we highly recommend Tonic on the Nethergate. Their range of burgers are sure to satisfy any cravings (we keep going back for more!).