An Aberdeenshire craft beer celebration has added a 72-mile cycling feat to its line-up of events.
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Stonehaven for the Midsummer Beer Happening, and this year organisers are tempting cyclists to take part in their inaugural bike ride before trying a tipple or two.
The cycle ride will take participants on the winding country roads of the Mearns, including the mighty Cairn O’Mount – twice.
The three-day beer festival will be held in the town’s Baird Park from June 18 and visitors will be able to sample 140 craft beers and real ales.
The event has been built on the popular Stonehaven Beer Festival, shifting it from its former town hall venue to cater for a growing number of beer-lovers.
Robert Lindsay, organiser of the Midsummer Beer Happening, said he expected at least 3,000 visitors.
He added: “Two of the fastest growing interests in the country right now are in craft brewing and cycling.
“We thought – what could be better for the first Midsummer Happening than to bring beer and bikes together?
“We hope the sportive will attract cyclists looking for a unique challenge and the chance to enjoy the beautiful Howe O’ the
Mearns countryside with a chance to tackle the daunting Cairn O’ Mount climb not once, but twice.”
Mr Lindsay owns both Stonehaven’s Marine Hotel and Six Degrees North Brewery.
He added: “It’s a challenging route. Completing this course will be a reward in itself – with the added bonus of afterwards being able to enjoy some of the 140 or so craft beers, Belgian beers and real ales the Midsummer Beer Happening has on offer.
“This is our first Midsummer Beer Happening and we’re busy putting the finishing touches to it, to make it a stand-out event this June and for years to come.
“Already we have people from across the country and even as far away as Canada buying tickets online.”
The cycling challenge will take place on the Saturday of the festival.
Tickets can be bought to the event and cyclists can sign up to the sportive at www.msbh.co.uk