Feasibility Report for an Active Travel Hub for Aberfoyle

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Feasibility Report for an Active Travel Hub for Aberfoyle Feasibility Report for an Active Travel Hub for Aberfoyle This feasibility study was carried out by Nicki Souter Associates on behalf of the Trossachs Business Partnership in January 2017. Nicki Souter ASSOCIATES Contents Background 4 Profile 7 Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services 10 Supporting the Delivery of the Community Action Plan 13 Stirling Council Low Carbon Travel and Transport Hub 16 Methodology 20 Findings and Recommendations 25 Financial Model 43 Appendices 46 Background 4 Background In 2010 the Scottish Government produced a Transport Scotland was awarded up to £13.9m Cycle Action Plan which set a target for 10% of until the end of 2018 under the European all journeys to be made by bicycle by 2020. In Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014- 2014 the Scottish Government’s Active Travel 2020 programme to help reduce greenhouse Vision1 was launched which aims to significantly gas emissions from transport and improve air increase the number of people cycling, walking quality. £8M of this funding is being used to and using other forms of active travel. This deliver the Low Carbon Travel and Transport vision set out to: (LCTT) Challenge Fund which is supporting the strategic aims of the LCTT Programme to: О Improve infrastructure, such as segregated cycle paths and improved connectivity of О Increase the number of journeys made by settlements for walkers and cyclists; public transport, active travel or low-carbon О Ensure continual maintenance of roads, and vehicles; pedestrian and cycling paths; О Support active travel hubs (facilities and О Transform urban centres to create a sense of routes to support cycling, walking and public place and prioritise active travel access; transport use as an alternative to the car); О Integrate active travel with public transport and services, such as room for bikes on buses, О To provide low carbon transport hubs and and encouraging further uptake in a range of reliable low-carbon refuelling services at public and alternative transport, such as car strategic sites. clubs, bike hire and bike storage; О Realise cultural and behavioural change This LCTT Challenge Fund is open to public, through a range of programmes to ensure community and third sector organisations to bid active travel can continue to develop; for up to 40 – 50% of their project costs with О Promote community ownership; the remainder to be met through match funding О Improve planning and strategy development with a submission deadline of the 28th February so that active travel is prioritised in all 2017. aspects of life from health to community planning partnerships; and To assist organisations in developing strong bids О Encourage and develop further active for this fund, Transport Scotland Pre-Application travel leisure, sport and recreation activities Support Fund (PASF)2 is providing eligible throughout Scotland. organisations with up to £10,000, to support a range of development activity, such as: The first Active Travel Hub was launched in Stockton-on-Tees in 2009 and since this time О Scoping or feasibility studies; there have been a significant number of hubs О Business plan development; set up across the UK. The first hub in Scotland О Technical report and scheme design studies; was the Stirling Cycle Hub, established in May О Community engagement; 2013 by Forth Environment Link and located in О Identifying sources of eligible match funding; the centre of the city. Since opening, the Stirling О Identifying suitable sites for hubs, including Cycle Hub has helped over 16,000 people landowner engagement; get involved in Active Travel, and has acted О Investigating links with existing active travel as a successful model for further hubs to be infrastructure and provision; established in Kilmarnock and Ayr. О Advice on technical specifications for low carbon vehicle hubs e.g. power supply required or source of alternative fuels; О Identifying research and data sources; and О Establishing baseline evidence. 1 http://www.transport.gov.scot/news/minister-launches-active-travel-vision 2 http://www.transport.gov.scot/environment/pre-application-support-fund-pasf The Trossachs Business Partnership Hub in Aberfoyle to benefit residents and visitors but also to act as a model for other rural The Trossachs Business Partnership (TBP) is Hubs across Scotland. The submission deadline one of 39 organisations to be awarded Pre- for the Feasibility Study is the 27th January 2017. Application Support Funding in support of the The Feasibility Study was to commissioned to development of a strong bid to the European identify the following key objectives: Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport (LCTT) Challenge Fund. О The attitudes, behaviours and acceptability among residents, visitors and key The Partnership is a community based stakeholders to the proposed Active Travel association for businesses in Aberfoyle and the Hub, including a detailed exploration of the surrounding area, comprising of 17 members types of services and facilities that the Hub with the majority actively involved in servicing might provide, including: the tourism sector. » The provision of active travel options to and from the Hub; The Trossachs Business Partnership » A focal point for meeting, information commissioned Nicki Souter Associates to and education; and undertake a Feasibility Study to explore the » Enhanced connectivity of the Hub potential for the development of an Active to the surrounding area and the Travel Hub within the centre of Aberfoyle provision of low carbon transport to provide an enhanced, co-ordinated and options. improved cycling, walking and travel service for residents and visitors to the village and О A suitable location, the governance and surrounding area. There are currently no rural management structures, and the capital Active Travel Hubs established in Scotland and and revenue costs associated with the as such there is the potential for the proposed establishment and maintenance of the Hub. Profile 7 Profile Area Profile Age Profile The Trossachs and Teith is an electoral ward The region’s age profile as of 2013 is displayed located in rural Stirling and includes the in Table 15, with over half of the population over towns of Callander, Doune and the village of the age of 45: Aberfoyle. As of 2013 the ward has a population of approximately 11,5273 with approximately Table 1: Trossachs and Teith Age Profile 5,4404 households. It forms a major part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, located approximately 18 miles from Stirling and Age Group % of Population 33 miles from Glasgow. As an area, it is popular 0-15 11% with walkers and is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for cyclists. The 16-29 14% National Cycle Route 7 runs through the area 30-44 17% and it is fortunate to have an extensive number of forest tracks for walkers, mountain bikers, and 45-59 29% quiet roads for cyclists. 60-74 20% Socio Demographic Profile 75+ 9% The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD 2016) indicates levels of deprivation in “datazones” of Council areas throughout Scotland. The socio-demographic profile of the Trossachs and Teith electoral ward is largely affluent with 10 of the 17 of the regions datazones classified as being in the 40% least deprived datazones in Scotland. The Strathard area (Aberfoyle, Kinlochard, Inversnaid and Stronachlachar) consists of 3 datazones consisting of a population of 1,643 residents. Output Area Classifications (OACs) use 2011 Census data to apply a three-tiered hierarchical geodemographic classification to each Output Area within the UK. It assigns one of 8 Super- groups, 26 Groups and 76 Subgroups to each Output Area, providing a snapshot of the geodemographic information of that area. The OAC of the Trossachs and Teith Ward is largely made up of four super-groups: О Rural Residents; О Hard-Pressed Living; О Urbanites; and О Suburbanites. 3 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates 4 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/dwellings-type 5 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates Business Profile The region’s business profile as of Scotland’s 2011 Census is displayed in Table 26: Table 2: Trossachs and Teith Business Profile Employment of Ward % Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 5.2% Administrative and Support Activities 4% Manufacturing 4.4% Construction 9.1% Wholesale and Retail Trade 13.2% Finance and Insurance and Real Estate 4.1% Professional, Scientific and Technical 5.5% Public Administration and Defence 5.9% Education 9.2% Health and Social Work 11.9% Accommodation and Food Services 14.5% Other 13.2% 6 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services 10 Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services Current Active Travel and future opportunities by coffee and cake and finishes with a fitness within Aberfoyle and the surrounding area class. The Aberfoyle group currently has 30 to include the following facilities and organisations. 35 members with usually 20 members on each walk. Path and Trail Network Public Transport Extensive network of paths and trails used by an increasing number of cyclists as an overnight There has been a reduction in public transport stop as part of multi-day bike tour, or a daytime services in the Trossachs similar to other rural destination for day cyclists. communities. Aberfoyle is currently serviced by 3 public bus routes, with only one of these Bike Trossachs7 having regular buses. The routes are as follows: Based in Aberfoyle, Bike Trossachs was set up О B10: One evening bus a day (Monday to in 2013 to promote mountain biking in general, Saturday to Balfron); as well as highlighting the mountain biking О 504: Two buses a day to coincide with opportunities in the Trossachs part of the Loch the start and finish of school and operates Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Recommended publications
  • Cairngorms Explorer 2011/12
    Cairngorms Explorer 2011/12 Key to local service bus INVERNESS ABERLOUR DUFFTOWN 362363338A route number codes KEITH 33 Mains of Bridge of 15 = 15/15X Dalvey Avon 362 33 = 33, 33A/36 338A Grantown 338A 34 = 34, 34B, 34C -on-Spey Tomintoul, 35 = 35, 35A/38, 38A, 38B Tomatin Glenlivet Strathdon 39 = 39/39A 1533 Cromdale Tomnavoulin & District 201 = 201, 201A, 201F/202 Carr-Bridge 34 362 ALFORD 1535 15 Broomhill 362 ABERDEEN 210 = 210/213 363 Kirkton of 20 = 20/20A Nethy Bridge 219 3335 Tomintoul Glenbuchat 22 = 22/22D Boat of Garten ALFORD 3415 Badenoch & A A2B1 ABERDEEN Aviemore 34 3437 Strathspey 35 Strathdon Glenkindie 210 Scale Coylum- Glenmore bridge 34 Corgarff 5 miles (approx) Kincraig Cairngorm 37 Ordie Tarland Deeside 3539 Feshiebridge 210 Insh 210 Newtonmore Kingussie 37 ABERDEEN Laggan Dinnet Aboyne 201 201 Braemar Ballater 210 201 201 Crathie 201 Kinloch 39 39 Laggan Dalwhinnie Auchronie Tarfside Main Line Railway 130 Steam Railway Clova B19 M91 Citylink Auchavan Local Service Buses Rottal 150 National Cycle Route 7 Blair Atholl & 130 130 Calvine Atholl Glenshee K22 87 71 K22 EDZELL 87 Kirkton BRECHINBRECHIN Location of Cairngorms of Glenisla Dykehead 130 K19 National Park within Scotland Pitlochry 122 K19K2 Kirriemuir Angus 22 Railway Line 20 Glens DUNKELD ALYTH GLAMIS FORFAR Main Roads PERTH BLAIRGOWRIE DUNDEE DUNDEE Approx. journey time From to the Park Aberdeen I hr 30 Dundee 1 hr 30 Edinburgh 2 hr 30 Glasgow 2 hr 30 Inverness 30 mins Perth 1 hr 30 Stirling 2 hr 15 Public Transport Contact Details BUSES BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY & ATHOLL AND GLENSHEE Scottish Citylink .
    [Show full text]
  • Mountains and the People Project Delivers
    Spring/Summer 2019 | No. 23 The The magazine of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Mountains and the People Project Delivers ALSO INSIDE Park News, Friends Updates, Mountains and the People, Events, Nature of the Park and more THIS ISSUE: TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 1 17/03/2019 19:39 ENJOY FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE Join us for seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, The finest Scottish seafood, served alongside a splendid a fantastic wine list and hand-pulled craft ales. wine list created by expert Matthew Jukes. 01436 860420 lochlomondarmshotel.com 01436 860420 luss-seafoodbar.com LOCH LOMOND ARMS HOTEL MAIN ROAD LUSS G83 8NY LUSS SEAFOOD BAR PIER ROAD LUSS SCOTLAND G83 8NY Traffic Design Consultants Email: [email protected] 1048 Govan Road, Web: www.traffic-design.co.uk Glasgow, G51 4XS Co. No. SC 210509 Tel: 0141 445 2174 VAT No. 829 372796 Loch Lomond Adventures Logo concepts - Logo option 4 - colour Suggestion for how colours could look. Subtle colours. 5* holiday park on the shores of Loch Lomond Book your adventure now at inverbeg.com T. 01436 860 267 [email protected] Join us on a BIKES GUIDED WALKS magical adventure through KAYAK & CANOE BOAT TICKETS the beautiful woodlands SPEEDBOAT CANYONING around Luss Village WATERSPORTS 4x4 ADVENTURE LOCH LOMOND FAERIE TRAIL, LUSS, G83 8PA LUSS CARPARK www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com WWW.LOCHLOMONDADVENTURES.COM 2 The Voice - Spring/Summer 2019 TheVoiceSpring2019V1.indd 2 17/03/2019 19:39 Chairman’s Introduction WELCOME TO THIS SPRING EDITION OF VOICE, which features interesting articles about different aspects of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and news on recent activities of the Friends and others working to make the Park a better place for people and nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Auchmore Circuit
    www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Auchmore Circuit Bridge of Moirlanich Lochay Killin Longhouse Finlarig Castle A Y H T Killin A827 L O C National Park Boundary Tyndrum Killin A8 Auchmore Circuit 2 A85 St Fillans Crianlarich A85 R N Lochearnhead L O C H E A Bridge of MoirlanichA82 You get a wonderful taste of the beautiful O I L LochayFingal’s V L O C H Stone Longhouse A84 Inverlochlarig Strathyre landscape around Killin on this easy walk, Ardlui L O C H S L O including woodlands, Loch Tay and the Y A83 L O C H K A T R I N L T E Inveruglas O C H A R K L E E B Inversnaid 83 YN B8 towering Tarmachan Ridge. 9 Callander F 2 A821 9 R A8 LO C H A H Arrochar V E N AC H 3 A8 C Tarbet 4 O L L Strachur O C O C H L A R H D Finlarig Castle L LAKE OF B O Forest path network A886 21/2 miles / 8 MENTEITH 1 L Aberfoyle 5 C A873 H O Rowardennan A814 G M O O I Gartmore L N Rob Roy Way • National Cycle Route 7 4 km D L G O N 1 Well-compacted C O Luss A8 H L 811 E A H Garelochhead Balmaha C Allow C K B A 837 O 817 path with some L G A R Drymen Start/end Ardentinny E 875 A 1-2 hours L O Gartocharn 811 loose material A A815 C A809 H 832 B Kilmun Balloch A8 1 A885 A81 Dunoon 4 A82 Dumbarton A8 Rob Roy Way • National Cycle Route 7 0 500m 1 Kilometre © Crown copyright and database rights 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility Study
    for Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Trust April 2020 Broch Field Feasibility Study Strathyre, Stirlingshire Broch Field Feasibility Study determined that the improvements to the landscape of the site, which can only be achieved through community ownership, would create an attractive Strathyre, Stirlingshire for BLS Community Trust and vibrant space which would balance with the additional burden of care required. These improvements would also have the potential to introduce additional use and income streams into the community. Summary The undertaking of a feasibility study to investigate potential for community ownership of the Broch Field, Strathyre, was awarded to Munro Landscape by the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre (BLS) Community Trust. Community surveys, undertaken by BLS, confirmed a strong desire to take ownership of the field, which is utilised as a ‘village green’ for the local area and hosts regular community events. Key themes emanating from the survey results were taken forward to this study for assessment for viability. A concept proposals plans was produced to explore the potential for a reimagining of the current use of the field and enhancement of existing features. This was developed alongside investigations into the viability of each aspirational project and detailed costings breakdown. Overall conclusions from this study are that the Broch field is a much- needed community asset, with regular use and potential for sensitive, low- key community development. Expansion of the current facilities would support both local the community and visitors to the village and area. Implementation of landscaping improvements can be undertaken in conjunction with the introduction of facilities for the provision of a motorhome stopover, which would assist in supporting the ongoing costs of managing the site.
    [Show full text]
  • Cicerone-Catalogue.Pdf
    SPRING/SUMMER CATALOGUE 2020 Cover: A steep climb to Marions Peak from Hiking the Overland Track by Warwick Sprawson Photo: ‘The veranda at New Pelion Hut – attractive habitat for shoes and socks’ also from Hiking the Overland Track by Warwick Sprawson 2 | BookSource orders: tel 0845 370 0067 [email protected] Welcome to CICERONE Nearly 400 practical and inspirational guidebooks for hikers, mountaineers, climbers, runners and cyclists Contents The essence of Cicerone ..................4 Austria .................................38 Cicerone guides – unique and special ......5 Eastern Europe ..........................38 Series overview ........................ 6-9 France, Belgium, Luxembourg ............39 Spotlight on new titles Spring 2020 . .10–21 Germany ...............................41 New title summary January – June 2020 . .21 Ireland .................................41 Italy ....................................42 Mediterranean ..........................43 Book listing New Zealand and Australia ...............44 North America ..........................44 British Isles Challenges, South America ..........................44 Collections and Activities ................22 Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland .......44 Scotland ................................23 Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania ....45 Northern England Trails ..................26 Spain and Portugal ......................45 North East England, Yorkshire Dales Switzerland .............................48 and Pennines ...........................27 Japan, Asia
    [Show full text]
  • Cycling Action Plan for Scotland
    The Scottish Government, Edinburgh 2010 © Crown copyright 2010 ISBN: 978-0-7559-9435-9 (Web only) The Scottish Government St Andrew’s House Edinburgh EH1 3DG Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland DPPAS10285 (06/10) Published by the Scottish Government, June/2010 CONTENTS Page No 1. Foreword 1 2. Introduction 2 3. Framework for Delivering More Cycling 2 4. Section A – Skills Development 4 4.1. Cycle Training 4 4.2. Cycling Education – Skills for Professionals 6 4.3. Cycling in the Community 9 4.4. Cycling at School and Mountain Biking 12 4.5. Cycle Friendly Employer Award 14 5. Section B – The Network 17 5.1. National Cycle Network 17 5.2. Planning, Access Legislation and Guidance 19 5.3. Public Transport Integration 22 5.4. Improving Safety for Cyclists in the context of National Road Safety Targets 23 5.5. A Hierarchy of care for all Road Users 27 5.6. Making Traffic Orders 38 6. Section C - Delivery 31 6.1. Investing in Cycling 31 6.2. Monitoring and Evaluation 33 6.3. Measuring Cyclists and Perceptions 34 7. Annexes 37 1. Table of Actions, commitments and outcomes 37 2. Scottish Government Partners and Roles 41 3. Glossary 43 4. References 44 1. Foreword Our vision is that “By 2020, 10% of all journeys taken in Scotland will be by bike.” The shared vision for cycling in Scotland sets a challenge for central and local governments, businesses, employers, stakeholders working on active travel and individuals. We are committed to working in partnership with others to deliver this vision.
    [Show full text]
  • COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2018-2023 Gartmore Gartmore Community Action Plan 2018-2023
    COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2018-2023 Gartmore Gartmore Community Action Plan 2018-2023 This Community Action Plan sets out the priorities for the development of Gartmore over the next 5 years as determined by the community through an extensive process of community engagement carried out from May 2017– November 2017. The Plan contains: Our previous Action Plan (2012-2017) • a summary of our Community Profile identified priorities and actions, many of which have been achieved by the • the main advantages and disadvantages community, including: of living in Gartmore identified in our Community Survey Refurbishing the village hall This has been transformed into a • our Vision Statement for the future of successful, vibrant and welcoming Gartmore community resource • the main themes, needs and priorities for Acquiring better broadband action Introduction of Briskona high speed • information on how you can stay in touch broadband in the hall and most of the and get involved. village We are grateful to The Community Partnership Supporting the school and shop and, in particular, Kelly Clapperton-Bates, The school roll has increased and the who supported the development and shop made a small surplus in 2017 preparation of the Community Action Plan, and to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Developing the play park National Park which provided the funding. The new play park formally opened in August 2017 and is much enjoyed by the young people of the village Increasing childcare Gartmore Primary now has wrap-around care. Improving paths and cycle routes Increased signage, development and maintenance of paths (including Initial restoration of Wee Woods path) and publication of paths booklet.
    [Show full text]
  • Cairngorms Explorer 2014/15
    Cairngorms Explorer 2014/15 INVERNESS ABERLOUR DUFFTOWN 3336 362 363 338A KEITH 33 36Mains of Bridge of 338A Dalvey Avon 362 Main Line Railway Grantown Advie Steam Railway -on-Spey 338A Glenlivet Tomintoul, M90/M91/G10 Citylink Tomatin Strathdon 33 34X Cromdale Tomnavoulin & District Local Service Buses 34X 32A Carr-Bridge 34 34X 362 ALFORD National Cycle Route 7 Broomhill 362 ABERDEEN 32A 363 Kirkton of Nethy Bridge 219 33 Tomintoul Glenbuchat ALFORD 32 Boat of Garten 34 34X Badenoch & Aviemore A2B1 A2B1 ABERDEEN 31 31 37 Strathspey 32 38 32A Strathdon Glenkindie 210 Scale 38A Coylum- Glenmore 31 Corgarff 5 miles (approx) Kincraig bridge 210210 Deeside 32 39A 37 Cairngorm Ordie Tarland 32A39 Feshiebridge VH1VH3 VH5 Insh VH1 210 Newtonmore ABERDEEN Kingussie 37 Ballater Laggan Dinnet Aboyne BANCHORY 501 201 201 201 VH1 VH4 201202 39A Braemar 201501 202210 Crathie 202210 VH3 Kinloch 39A 39 Laggan 501 Dalwhinnie B19B12 150 Auchronie Tarfside Location of Clova B19 Cairngorms National Atholl & Spittal of B12 Park within Scotland Glenshee Glenshee Auchavan Rottal Railway Line 122 Tarabuckle 150 Main Roads Blair Delnamer Calvine Atholl Approx. 83 87 K25122 K22 EDZELL journey time 83 87 Kirkton Dykehead BRECHIN From To the Park 71 of Glenisla K2 Dykehead Aberdeen I hr 30 501 K22 K19 Dundee 1 hr 30 Pitlochry 122 K25 Edinburgh 2 hr 30 Kirriemuir Angus Glasgow 2 hr 30 20 Glens Inverness 30 mins Perth 1 hr 30 DUNKELD ALYTH GLAMIS FORFAR Stirling 2 hr 15 PERTH BLAIRGOWRIE BLAIRGOWRIE DUNDEE DUNDEE Public Transport Contact Details NEW BUSES traveline BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY app & ATHOLL AND GLENSHEE Scottish Citylink www.citylink.co.uk ......
    [Show full text]
  • Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council Green Infrastructure Study - Evidence Base
    Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council Green Infrastructure Study - Evidence Base Final Report January 2011 Copyright and Non-Disclosure Notice The contents and layout of this report are subject to copyright owned by Entec (© Entec UK Limited 2011) save to the extent that copyright has been legally assigned by us to another party or is used by Entec under licence. To the extent that we own the copyright in this report, it may not be copied or used without our prior written agreement for any purpose other than the purpose indicated in this report. The methodology (if any) contained in this report is provided to you in confidence and must not be disclosed or copied to third parties without the prior written agreement of Entec. Disclosure of that information may constitute an actionable breach of confidence or may otherwise prejudice our commercial interests. Any third party who obtains access to this report by any means will, in any event, be subject to the Third Party Disclaimer set out below. Third-Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third-party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by Entec at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third-party who is able to access it by any means. Entec excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability.
    [Show full text]
  • One Englishman, One Bike and One Tent. Cycling the Lochs & Glens
    One Englishman, one bike and one tent. Cycling the Lochs & Glens Sustrans Route Making time to do some ~proper” cycle touring was one of my avowed aims on taking early retirement in 2015, but it was 2016 before the opportunity came round to do the first planned trips – both halves of the Lochs and Glens route from Carlisle to Inverness. Late snow put paid to the initially planned April timeslot, and so it was May 8th before Mrs Morris waved me off in Carlisle. I didn’t wave back as I was too busy trying to keep the bike upright with panniers front & back and a tent bungeed onto the rear pannier rack. Starting Out in Carlisle Day 1 Carlisle to Castle Douglas: 64 miles, 2,016 feet Basically, the route follows National Cycle Route 7 – so how hard can that be. Piece of cake if you follow it the right way. I did three miles out of Carlisle going the wrong way before I realised, so added six miles to the planned 64. But soon flying along on what I knew was going to be the flattest day, crossing into Scotland at Gretna Green before racing along the Solway and reaching Castle Douglas for teatime – with the one climb up the Old Military Road helpfully at the end of the day. Three pints, steak and chips and in bed fast asleep by 10 – a pattern I was to repeat regularly. Day 2 Castle Douglas to Glentrool 59 miles, 2,858 feet Set off surprisingly fresh having expected to feel really stiff, and raced along to Newton Stewart – and then hit the first serious climbing of the trip, inland and into increasingly wild and remote scenery.
    [Show full text]
  • WOODLAND WALKS 2010:64201 Woodland Walks 26/03/2010 09:16 Page 1
    © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved FCS 1000254982010 AllrightsreservedFCS Copyright. © Crown Produced by Forestry Commission Scotland in partnership with: partnership in Scotland Commission Forestry by Produced Tel 01389 722600 01389 Tel Callander Office Callander Tel 01389 722100 01389 Tel Balmaha Centre Balmaha Heritage office. Heritage Tel 01389 722120 01389 Tel or call your local Scottish Natural Scottish local your call or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com Luss Centre Luss Find out more by visiting by more out Find Balloch to Tarbet. to Balloch The Trossachs National Park National Trossachs The • care for the environment the for care • West Loch Lomond cycle path, runs from runs path, cycle Lomond Loch West Loch Lomond & & Lomond Loch diversions put in place. in put diversions people • respect the interests of other of interests the respect • Inverness and Regional Cycle Route 40, the 40, Route Cycle Regional and Inverness Please obey warning signs and follow any follow and signs warning obey Please your own actions own your Tel 01301 702432 01301 Tel runs from Balloch to Killin on its way to way its on Killin to Balloch from runs • take responsibility for for responsibility take • periodically areas of forest have to be closed. be to have forest of areas periodically setting. dramatic a in grow Near Arrochar Near When you are in the outdoors: the in are you When Glens section of the National Cycle Route 7 Route Cycle National the of section Glens extraction using heavy machinery, so machinery, heavy using extraction specimens magnificent Glen Pucks nearby Cashel on the east side of Loch Lomond. Loch of side east the on Cashel Argyll Forest Park Forest Argyll outdoors responsibly outdoors eastern shore of Loch Lomond.
    [Show full text]
  • Createspace Word Templates
    Land’s End to John O’Groats – Cycling the Google Route Roy’s Mad Adventure First published 2014 © 2014 Royston Wood The Moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, or as expressly permitted by law, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on any acquirer. Copyright for the background image for the cover wrap is: Map Data @2014 GeoBasis-DE/BKG (@2009) Google. The copyright for the cover image of the author is the property of www.sportivephoto.com and is reproduced with their kind permission. Dedication This book is dedicated to my long suffering wife and one person Remote Support Unit. Without her support looking after the kids, the dogs, the cat, the guinea pigs, the fish and the house (whilst also working) I would not have been able to complete this ride. Her commitment is long overdue is not only throughout my nine day absence from home for the ride itself but also for the frequent day long training rides leading up to it. Beyond having to deal with all the day to day things normally shared between two, she also has to offer me mental support by phone and text and keep my blog going during the ride. And let’s be honest, I wasn’t much use to anyone for my first few days back either.
    [Show full text]