Sandend - Tarlair | Coastal Cycling in the North East

Sandend to Tarlair | Coastal Bike Ride in Aberdeenshire, Scotland This scenic bike ride explores Aberdeenshire’s stunning coastal countryside, offering fantastic views across the Moray Firth. Combined with my other coastal ride heading west from Sandend to Spey Bay, it would make a great short cycling holiday in north east Scotland. Starting in the charming village of Sandend with its lovely sandy beach, the route heads inland briefly before joining the North East Coastal Trail (National Cycle Network Route 1) at Fordyce. A short stretch through forest track and grassy path follows—an enjoyable detour that avoids cycling on the busy A98 road into Portsoy. From Portsoy, the route continues along the North East Coastal Trail, following Scotland’s breathtaking ‘Dolphin Coast’. You'll ride a mix of quiet country roads and traffic-free paths, passing charming fishing villages and historic harbours all the way to Macduff. Just outside Macduff, you’ll find the historic tidal pool at Tarlair, once one of the largest in Scotland when built in 1932. Though no longer used for swimming, the beautifully restored Art Deco tea pavilion is a perfect spot for a break. While there, take a short wander to the secluded Salmon Howie beach tucked behind the cliffs—well worth the visit. The return journey to Sandend mostly retraces the route, staying slightly more inland past Whitehills. Keep an eye out—you might spot dolphins, porpoises, or seals along the way! 📺 Best viewed in HD or 4K. 👍 If you enjoyed the video, a like and a channel subscription are much appreciated. Thank you! 🚴‍♂️ Route Details 📏 Distance: 52.5 km / 36.5 miles 🚴 Strava:   / strava   📍 Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2346786837 🛏️ Where I stayed I stayed at a static caravan at Sandend Holidays, a great base for a cycling holiday and a lovely campsite I can highly recommend: 🔗 https://sandendholidays.com/ 🍰 Café Stop: Tarlair Café 🔗 http://friendsoftarlair.co.uk/ 🔗   / fot2012   🎥 My YouTube Channel: Cycling in the Scottish Highlands 🔗    / pjd66   ▶️ Related Ride    • Sandend - Spey Bay | Coastal Gravel Ride i...   ▶️ All Videos    / @pjd66   ▶️ Bike Rides outside the Cairngorms National Park    • Bike Rides outside the Cairngorms National...   ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 — Cycling from Sandend to Tarlair 4:05 — Tarlair and Salmon Howie beach 6:08 — Cycling back to Sandend 🎵 Music 'Moments in Love' by Art of Noise 'Starbound' by JJ Cale #CoastalBikeRide #Aberdeenshire #MorayFirth #NorthEastCoastalTrail #CyclingHoliday #Sandend #CycleRoutes