The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Final consultations on routes to be mapped in cycle tourism push
A final round of consultations will be held today as part of plans to map a new network of cycling routes in Perthshire.
The Gravel Trails project is being led by Highland Perthshire Cycling, a group of enthusiasts who want to encourage more people to enjoy cycling holidays in the region.
The proposal to map a series of trails around the Atholl and Murthly Estates has been backed by local funders.
It is hoped cycling breaks will become more attractive if there are more pointers for tourists looking to leave the main roads and explore their surroundings.
Organisers say there are potentially thousands of miles of moorland track that could be promoted to visitors.
They are asking residents to help them decide which 200 miles they should start with.
Two consultation sessions were held last week in Dunkeld and Pitlochry, and two more will be held today.
The first will take place at Comrie Croft between 3pm and 5pm. It will be followed by a final consultation in Aberfeldy’s Locus Centre from 7-9pm.
The project team are hoping to emulate the success of a similar project in Argyll, where more than 360 miles of tracks and trails have been mapped.
A spokesperson for the project said: “We want to work with the local community to develop an offer that delivers great benefits to the Highland Perthshire community.
“Making the area accessible to all will encourage people to explore their local areas with confidence and will have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the communities involved.”