The route of the scenic Macmillan Cycletta has been revealed as the women-only cycling event returns to Scone Palace for its third year.
The Cycletta Scotland route on Sunday July 19 is arguably the most challenging of all the Cycletta events and takes in some breathtaking scenery along the way.
The routes 20km, 50km, 100km and the newly introduced 150km will see hundreds of women take to the Perthshire countryside on two wheels, passing through towns and villages such as Balbeggie, Eassie, Kettins and Burrelton.
The ascent out of Scone provides an early test, with its summit just before Guildtown where the 20km route splits.
The route calms through Balbeggie between the rolling hills and it is here where the 50km route turns off towards Collace, leaving the longer distances to peddle and ascend onwards towards Newtyle.
Further routes take in a stunning climb out of Newtyle towards Eassie, endless vistas and valleys around the Kirkton of Kingoldrum and the challenging climb of Wolfhill with its seemingly never-ending summit.
The last section of the route is arguably the gentlest and the reverse of the start.
Descending from Guildtown, picking up with the novice route on the way, a quick hello is said to Stormontfield before riders arrive back at Scone to a royal palace welcome.
Macmillan Cycletta Scotland is open to women of all ages and abilities. For those looking to make it a family day out there is also a Scootathlon, a mini fun triathlon for children between the ages of four and eight where they scoot, bike and run.
Gillian Daly, of Macmillan Cycletta, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our Macmillan Cycletta Scotland routes and are very excited about introducing a more demanding 150km option to this year’s event.
“Macmillan Cycletta is a great way to set yourself a fitness challenge and to raise money for a good cause like Macmillan Cancer Support.”
To book your place in the event visit www.cycletta.co.uk.