Strath Brora and Dunrobin Glen

Lying just minutes off the main A9, so popular with Lands End to John o' Groats cyclists, this quiet 23 mile route is a complete contrast - a real hidden gem with virtually no traffic.

Although this can be done as a circular route, the stretch along the busy A9 is not the most pleasant to cycle so a route starting in Brora and finishing in Golspie (from where a short train ride back is possible) is recommended.

From the station in Brora cross the main A9 next to the bridge and follow the minor road along the north bank of the river. The first half of the route follows the River Brora, initially past houses and through woodland before coming out into the more open reaches of Strath Brora. An easy and picturesque stretch follows alongside Loch Brora to the head of the strath after which the road climbs up to a higher area that is a mix of crofts and open moorland. Shortly after passing a small lochan on the right take the second turning on the left which climbs gradually before reaching the head of Dunrobin Glen. A long descent along the side of the glen follows to the scatterring of houses at Backies. Bear right at the fork and follow the road across the Golspie Burn (known locally as the "Big Burn" and a popular walk) and down through woodland to Golspie. If returning to Brora by train follow the main street south to reach the station at the far end of the village.