A NEW book has been published praising the cycle routes available in Helensburgh - and describing them as some of the best in Scotland.

Cycling journalist and filmmaker Markus Stitz wrote Bikepacking Scotland, which will soon hit the schelves ahead of the Cycling World Championships visiting the country this summer.

Markus previously did work on the Helensburgh Active Travel map and featured Argyll prominently in the book, with two routes that start or finish in Helensburgh.

The Wild About Argyll Trail and the John Muir Way both feature, along with the nearby Dunoon Dirt Dash and Bikepacking Argyll's islands route.

They are amongst 20 multi-day bikepacking journeys for gravel, mountain and road bikes across the country.

Markus says the routes suit beginners and experts, and are accessible by bike-friendly public transport.

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He said: "While this is my second book, Bikepacking Scotland has been years in the making.

"I found my love for gravel riding through bikepacking, and in the year when Scotland welcomes the world to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, it seemed fitting to finally publish this book.

"For me, cycling is one of the purest ways to discover Scotland off the beaten track, leaving no other trace than a few tyre marks."

The guide emphasises the importance of being prepared, having the right bike, and a long list of items to pack to take on the routes.

It includes detailed maps as well as the ascent, terrain and difficulty ratings.

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Markus added: "All the bikepacking adventures I have had in Scotland have created lasting memories, even though at times it was a steep learning experience.

"Scotland isn’t an easy country to cycle in when it throws its weather at you.

"You will fondly remember the first time you sink your feet into its famous bog, or when a cloud of midges surrounds you.

"But you will also be blown away by the wonderful scenery, no matter where you go."

Bikepacking Scotland is published by Vertebrate Publishing.