Mark Beaumont rides 185 mile Hebridean Way in 24h

Mark Beaumont has completed yet another cycling challenge by riding the new 185-mile long Hebridean Way Cycling Route in just 24 hours.

Beaumont completed the challenge to mark the opening of the new route from Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north, spanning ten islands, six causeways and involving two rib crossings, provided courtesy of Uist Sea Tours.

The adventurer, who has broken records cycling around the world and along the length of Africa, was invited to take on the challenge to help promote the new route ahead of the 2016 tourist season.

Mark Beaumont rides 500 miles on "Scotland's Route 66" - in less than 38 hours

Beaumont told the Scotsman the experience, which was filmed start to finish, was “unforgettable”. He said: “What struck me most is the amazing immediacy of the landscape, which changes from island to island.

“The scenery is stunning, and you’d miss so much of it dashing along in a car.

“This has to be the best part of Scotland, and cycling has to be the best way to see these fantastic islands. The roads are perfect for cycling – quiet and safe.

“So many communities, schoolchildren and cyclists turned out to wish me well on my journey, and I’m sure I’ll be back again with my bike to soak up more of this unique Hebridean landscape and hospitality.”

@kieranjduncan pic.twitter.com/8lwE15aGHn

— Mark Beaumont (@MrMarkBeaumont) March 11, 2016

Outer Hebrides Tourism’s Ian Fordham said: “Cycling is an increasingly popular sport these days, and we have seen more and more people wanting to explore our islands on two wheels.

“We’re delighted Mark accepted our challenge to cycle The Hebridean Way Cycling Route in 24 hours and help to put the route on the cycling map.

“It has to be one ofScotland’s most scenic cycling routes, and we know that visitors will be as impressed as Mark was with the changing landscapes from one island to the next.”

WATCH:Cyclist Mark Beaumont has launched a new cycling route in the Outer Hebrides which is hoped will boost tourism pic.twitter.com/ijB8Q9u1NA

— STV News (@STVNews) March 11, 2016

Last year Beaumont rode 500 miles of Scotland’s “route 66” in less than 38 hours, one of a series of Scottish challenges the adventurer has taken on in recent months.

Footage of his latest challenge is available on social media using the hashtag #HebWay.

The end of the road! 185 miles, 10 islands, 6 causeways, 2 ferry crossings! #hebway @OuterHebs  @kieranjduncan pic.twitter.com/FSrLJ4Vks3

— Mark Beaumont (@MrMarkBeaumont) March 11, 2016

Clarification  - ferries are available on the sections of the Hebridean Way not linked by causeway. Beaumont used the ribs to aid his 24 hour attempt.