From the Scottish Highlands to Mount Snowdon: The most picturesque and breathtaking bike rides in Britain revealed

Stunning scenery: A cyclist poses during the Marie Curie Etape Caledonia — which returns to the Scottish Highlands next month, bigger and better than ever before for its 11th year

From the panoramic views of rolling hills and snow-covered mountains in the Scottish Highlands to the stunning scenery near Mount Snowdon, these photographs show some of the most incredible cycle rides around Britain.

There's no doubting the gruelling nature of these rides, but when you are treated to beautiful natural scenery it's easy to see why cyclists are willing to push their bodies to the limits.

Among them is the Marie Curie Etape Caledonia — which returns to the Scottish Highlands next month, bigger and better than ever before for its 11th year.

The beautiful Scottish town of Pitlochry will welcome over 5,000 cyclists for the weekend of celebration and cycling, which is set in the heart of the stunning Highland Perthshire.

In Wales, competitors in the Snowdonia Mountain Bike Challenge start and finish in the picturesque village of Llanberis, at the foot of Mount Snowdon.

Scroll down to view a round-up of the stunning British scenery, which offers a gentle reminder of the spectacular landscapes that this land boasts...

Camaraderie: Cyclists take part in the 'Snowdonia Mountain Bike Challenge' near Llanberis, north Wales, where they start and finish at the foot of Mount Snowdon

Riding solo: The view at Braes of Foss - looking towards Schiehallion during the Marie Curie Etape Caledonia cycle ride in Scotland

A long road ahead: Cyclists prepare to ascend Honister Pass at Lake District National Park in Cumbria with the breathtaking view of the ride in front of them

Natural wonder: A cyclist on the road at The Storr in Scotland's Isle of Skye with the The Old Man of Storr pinnacle and Trotternish peninsula behind him