Deloitte Ride Across Britain, the UK's largest organiser of the iconic Land's End to John O'Groats bike ride, has announced a new route through Scotland to incorporate the spectacular Cairngorm Mountains for 2018 together with the dates for next year's landmark 10th edition.

The snow roads over the Cairngorms offer some of the most beautiful and unspoilt sections of riding anywhere in the UK. The Lecht and the Cairnwell are a pair of truly iconic assets that both feature in the UK's 100 Greatest Climbs.

The new route ensures that distances are more evenly spread across the nine days, and has a significantly reduced weight of traffic meaning a more relaxing ride experience and less local disruption.

This year's Ride Across Britain takes place from 8th-16th September. As cyclists leave Penrith to cross the border into Scotland on day six, they will ride through some of the most dramatic scenery taking in the Lowther Hills, the River Clyde and the iconic Forth Railway Bridge to Hopetoun House where they stay that night.

The following day starts with an epic crossing over the Forth River Bridge. The cyclists will continue into the Grampian Mountains, through the Cairngorms National Park, conquering the mighty Glenshee on the way. They will pass Braemar Castle before arriving at Strathdon for the night.

On day eight, from Strathdon to the Kyle of Sutherland, there are long, tough climbs up the infamous Lecht Hill and the ski resort before the descent to the basecamp. The last day - the route director's favourite - remains the same through the Strathnaver Valley to John O'Groats where finishers' medals await.

Deloitte Ride Across Britain is fully supported and it is for cyclists of all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

All participants are provided with training plans and kit advice. There is an 150-strong support crew, a fully signed route, luggage transfer, regular pit stops, mechanical and medical support and chaperones offering often much-needed encouragement.

Base camps every night serve hot food and drink, and offer showers and laundry, while for those who prefer there are packages to stay in local hotels, and to cycle the English or Scottish part of the route, with the option to finish the other part of the ride the following year.

>>> Read Dalany's report from the 2016: Deloitte Ride Across Britain: Dalany in 'Disneyworld for Cyclists' >>>

2019 dates announced

The 10th Deloitte Ride Across Britain takes place on 7th-15th September 2019. It will celebrate ten years of helping thousands of cyclists reach their dream of riding from Land's End to John O'Groats and raising more than £6million for charity. You can watch the anniversary video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssrlToWC76U.

Entries open on 18th July 2018 but cyclists can register their interest for next year's event before then at www.rideacrossbritain.com.

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