More than 700 cyclists will ride through Herefordshire on day three of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, the UK’s largest Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride, on Monday, September 12th.

Heading out of Bath, the riders will skirt the South Western flank of the Cotswolds before crossing the sweeping expanse of the Bristol Channel on the Severn Bridge. Then it’s time for a quick pit stop at Chepstow Castle before one of the most beautiful sections of the Ride along the River Wye.

The route, which is slightly longer than necessary, shows riders one of the true hidden corners of Britain and it’s often listed as one of the highlights of the entire Ride. The cyclists will cover 99 miles climbing 4,700 feet before arriving at base camp that night at Ludlow Racecourse.

Now in its seventh year, the Deloitte Ride Across Britain is widely recognised as the UK’s premier long distance cycling event and it takes cyclists of all levels of fitness and ability through some of the country’s most breath-taking landscapes.

Cyclists from the UK and Ireland as well as South Africa, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA will ride 969 miles over nine days and climb around 15,000 metres, almost twice the height of Everest. They will travel through winding back lanes, hidden green valleys, stunning coastal road and barren moorlands passing historic sites and camping overnight. The Ride is fully supported with overnight base camps, a sign posted route, delicious hot meals, pit stops, medical and mechanical support and luggage transfer.

The Ride follows Team GB’s incredible performance in cycling in Rio and cyclists will be staying overnight at Bath University, the training ground for many members of Team GB, before passing through Bradley Wiggins’ home town of Eccleston, Lancashire and close to Jason Kelly’s home in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Julian Mack, the founder of Threshold Sports, which organises the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, said: “Cycling the length of the British Isles from one end to the other captures the imagination of people. To be able to see every inch of the landscape under your own steam is a deeply rewarding experience, but, like everything in life that’s worthwhile, it’s not easy and it requires grit and determination.

“The third day through the Wye Valley is one of the easier parts of the Ride, but it is also one of the most beautiful so we advise riders to slow down and soak up the scenery; there’s always a chance to catch up later.

“We have taken care of every last logistical detail so that riders can focus firmly on turning the pedals and drinking in the sights and smells of the British Isles; it’s just them, their leg power, their will and the beauty of the cycling machine, the basic design of which hasn’t changed much in a century.”

Deloitte Ride Across Britain is one of the UK’s highest fundraising per head cycling challenge, which saw £1.4million raised in 2015 alone. The event has raised a total of £4million for Deloitte’s charity partner, the British Paralympic Association, £1.7million of which was raised by Deloitte’s employees.