NEAT Industry Event 2024 Report
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire adventure industry gather to reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024 and beyond
Published on
Cycle tourism in the north-east will shift up a gear with the launch of a new initiative that recognises ten of the regions most iconic ascents.
Aberdeenshire Ascents is a partnership project involving the North East Adventure Tourism (NEAT) project, VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeenshire Council, supported by Opportunity North East and Scottish Cycling, and local cycling groups.
Following consultation with the local cycling community, ten road ascents have been identified for their combination of challenge, length and gradient, and each highlights an aspect of the region’s breathtaking scenery. They are:
Cabrach Cairnwell Cairn O Mount Causey Mounth Gairnshiel Lecht My Lord’s Throat Pennan to New Aberdour Queen’s View Suie
Jennifer Craw, chief executive of Opportunity North East said: “Aberdeenshire Ascents is the latest example of the North East Adventure Tourism project partners, including ONE, investing in facilities, infrastructure and marketing to attract more visitors and spending, and support jobs in businesses across rural communities and the city.”
Chris Foy, CEO VisitAberdeenshire said: “This exciting project further underlines the north-east as a go-to destination for the keen cyclist and highlights that we are home to some of the country’s most challenging and rewarding cycle routes.
“We are confident that this initiative will provide a major boost to the local visitor economy especially as the return of the prestigious Tour of Britain race this September, includes one of the ascents, Cairnwell, as its finish.”
Jim Savege, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Aberdeenshire Ascents will provide both local riders and those from further afield with a tremendous opportunity to experience for themselves these superb climbs which are at the same time beautifully scenic yet hugely challenging.
“As was clearly demonstrated when we hosted the final stage of last year’s Tour of Britain, there is massive local support for cycling here in the north-east of Scotland and I am convinced the ten routes will become a ‘must-do’ activity for many riders in the months ahead.”
Colin Allanach, Chair of Scottish Cycling Grampian said: “This is a great initiative to promote cycle tourism in the North east. This will bring in many people, from all over, to sample some of the fantastic climbs local cyclists know and love.“
To mark the launch, representatives from cycling clubs across the area were encouraged to ride the routes on 30 April. Prizes of limited-edition Aberdeenshire Ascents jerseys will be on offer for the best photography posted throughout May using the hashtag #rideabdn
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire adventure industry gather to reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024 and beyond
Join us as we bring together a range of adventure tourism stakeholders from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to review the past year and look ahead to 2024 with a touch of international insight.
Earlier this year, the North East Adventure Tourism (NEAT) project was invited to Valposchiavo, Switzerland, to contribute to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Europe Summit 2023.
Sustainability is at the heart of the NEAT project – working with industry experts we have conducted a baseline assessment to help inform our practices moving forward.