Starting in Ballater, the 102-mile circular route takes you on a traffic-free journey via Rhynie, Dufftown, the Lecht and back to Ballater on the banks of the River Dee. The route has a real mix of scenic rolling roads, challenging ascents and alpine-esque descents through a wild landscape scattered with iconic whisky distilleries. The King of the Mountain Climb over the mighty Lecht will see riders test themselves against the clock as they grind steeply upwards over a 1.5 mile stretch in the most testing climb of the day contributing to the 7000 feet they will tackle across the whole route. The Etape Royale experience will leave a lasting impression on all the senses!