Scottish cycling superstar Mark Beaumont, has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the Earth by bicycle, completing the challenge in just 79 days on the Artemis World Cycle.
In a new video for VisitScotland, filmed prior to his round the world attempt, Mark cycles through Dumfries & Galloway while discussing why he enjoys cycling.
The short video sees the ultra-endurance athlete pass some of the region’s most recognisable attractions, popular activities, and stunning landscapes, including:
- Port Logan Bay
- The Southern Upland Way at Clatteringshaws Loch
- Mennock Pass near Wanlockhead
- Loch Dee and Glentrool, Galloway Forest Park
- Fingland Hill and Stroanpatrick near Carsphairn
- Threave Castle, near Castle Douglas
- Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer
- Kagyu Samye Ling Monastry, near Langholm
The video features the sailing and outdoor activities on offer on Loch Ken at the Galloway Activity Centre, a red kite near Wanlockhead, as well as the spectacular countryside around Scotland’s highest village.
In the voiceover, Mark discusses what kind of bike riding he likes. He says quite often people cycle to ‘escape’ and get ‘some head space’. He adds: “That space we go on our bike is because of the landscape. For such a small country, the diversity we boast is probably second to none. I only appreciated that as a Scotsman as I headed off the world over, from top to bottom.”
With routes such as the 4 Abbeys Way in the Scottish Borders, the Southern Upland Way and the Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way, Scotland’s 2000 mile National Cycle Network covers some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Recent figures have revealed that one million day trips and 261,000 overnight trips, which include cycling on a road or surfaced path, were taken by visitors from the UK in 2015, generating a combined total of £106million for the Scottish economy.
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Mark is an incredible ambassador for Scotland. His record breaking achievement has helped highlight Scotland as a cycling destination and undoubtedly inspired visitors across the world. We are delighted to have worked with Mark to create this video, which not only provides insight into his motivations and challenges but also showcases the stunning beauty of Dumfries & Galloway and the many other exciting experiences you can have here.”
For more information about things to see and do in Dumfries & Galloway, visit:
https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/dumfries-galloway/
