Two cycling enthusiasts have managed to complete the Heart 200 in just one day.

Will and Lucinda Beresford from Glasgow completed the circuit in 14.5 hours, adding a few of their own variations to the route. In total they pedalled just over 214 miles, climbing and descending 12,300 feet (3,750 metres).

The Heart 200 recommended route, which launched on 1 July, is a spectacular circular route on existing public roads covering approximately 200 miles around Perth, Stirling, The Trossachs and Highland Perthshire. The route, coupled with the online tourist guide www.heart200.scot, has been designed to encourage more tourists to a region which since 2011 has seen a 17% drop in domestic visitor numbers [1].

Will, who has completed over 4,559 miles of cycling in 2019, was inspired to do the route after seeing it publicised on social media. Although possible in a day, other cyclists may wish to take it easier and complete the recommended route in around three to four days. Their route took them through the picturesque Stirlingshire villages of Aberfoyle and Dunblane and beautiful Perthshire villages of Killin, Pitlochry, Blairgowrie, Kinross and Crieff.

Will commented: “The Heart 200 is a cracking route. I undertook the journey with my wife, and we tailored the journey to meet our requirements, so ended up cycling more than 200 miles. We started in Aberfoyle, as it’s not too far from where we live in Glasgow. The highlight for me was cycling the first half of the route to Pitlochry. Although hilly and a real physical challenge, the scenery was spectacular. I would definitely recommend it and will continue to ride around Stirlingshire and Perthshire when I can.”

Robert Cairns, Managing Director of Heart 200 and owner of the Fortingall Hotel near Aberfeldy, said: “The Heart 200 route is very accessible for day trippers from the Central belt and we are delighted that Will and his wife have had such an enjoyable experience. They have shown that Heart 200 is not just a route for drivers. We want to encourage walkers, cyclists and bikers to use the route too. We are targeting those who want to enjoy a leisurely experience of what this region has to offer, at their own pace, giving them a unique holiday experience. Heart 200 is about getting outdoors for a walk, a round of golf, a visit to a castle or distillery or a family day out at one of the many visitor attractions in the area.”

For more information on Will’s ride, please click here.

[1] Visit Scotland report (Insights department), November 2018 – Visitors to Perthshire

Author: icreation