McRoute opens on Monday

On Monday 17th April the 501-mile Aberdeen to John OGroats, Orkney and Shetland cycle route will be officially launched. This is the longest section of the Sustrans National Cycle Network to be launched to date and will form part of Route 1.

Travelling through stunning scenery, passing numerous places of interest and avoiding busy roads, the Aberdeen to John OGroats, Orkney and Shetland cycle route is a great way to discover northern Scotland, said a Sustrans press release.

You can visit National Trust of Scotland properties, historic houses and castles, wildlife centres, heritage centres and whisky distilleries. The route allows you to combine the freedom of the bicycle with the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside.

Also, forming part of the North Sea Cycle Route the Aberdeen to John OGroats, Orkney and Shetland cycle route will provide a new amenity for both cycle tourists and local people who want to cycle to work, to school or for leisure.

Tony Grant, Sustrans Scotland Manager, said: "This route is the longest ever we have opened in Scotland. It provides a wonderful opportunity for people to sample the real Scotland using pedal power, taking you away from demands of everyday life. With cycle tourism growing every year, this route will bring new visitors to all the villages, towns and cities along the route, without the negative impact of car traffic on the local environment."

www.sustrans.co.uk