Inverclyde Bothy to get hundreds of people cycling and walking

The Bothy, Inverclyde’s home of walking and cycling, is based in Gourock railway station. It is a partnership of 17 organisations led by Cycling UK and funded by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places.

To celebrate this launch, The Bothy will host a series of free public events on Thursday 27 September. Early risers are invited to drop in from 7-9am for a Commuter Breakfast, where they can get advice on getting to work on two wheels or two feet, plus enjoy a free breakfast! Community Tracks Inverclyde will be on hand from 9am-noon to provide a free tune-up for any bikes requiring a little attention. A Bike Amnesty will provide an opportunity for anyone with an unwanted bike to donate it – knowing it will be saved from scrap, fixed up and used in the local community.

The launch day will also see the first edition of Electric Thursdays, a new weekly electric bike session running from 1-4pm. Run in partnership with Community Tracks, this will provide the opportunity to get advice on all things e-bike, and more importantly take one for a test ride!

The Bothy is also launching weekly Health Walks – fun, accessible and social walks that are open to all abilities. Led by a trained walk leader, they will offer a great way to get some physical exercise and meet new people. Walks will last no more than an hour, include interesting local history and always finish with a warm cup of tea or coffee! The first Health Walk will depart The Bothy on Wednesday September 19 at 10.30am, and then every week at the same time.

September also sees the launch of Better Biking, a unique project developed and delivered in Inverclyde by The Bothy, Canny Cycling and Community Tracks. Led by experienced cycle instructors, it will help improve the confidence and skills of cyclists at all levels. The first sessions will start at 10am on Tuesday September 25 in Greenock (meet outside Esplanade Café) and Kilmacolm (meet outside the Pullman Tavern). Better Biking will run in blocks of six weekly sessions, then moving on to new locations in Inverclyde.

Suzanne Forup, Head of Development Scotland for Cycling UK commented: “We are delighted to be working with so many partners across Inverclyde to help more people walk and cycle. We know that encouraging people to be active – and to make everyday journeys by bike or on foot – helps their health, wellbeing and their pockets. These activities will also provide social opportunities, which reduces isolation and builds friendships. We encourage people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to visit The Bothy and give cycling and walking a go!”

Stewart Phillips, Project Coordinator at Community Tracks Inverclyde said: “It is vital that we pool our recourses and work together as a team to promote active travel in Inverclyde and beyond. No one organisation has the complete skill set or resources to do everything on their own. That’s why we are delighted to team up with The Bothy and others to bring all of these activities to Inverclyde.”

The Bothy is open on Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, search ‘Inverclyde Bothy’ on Facebook or contact Josh Wood, Bothy Development Officer on 07825983465 or [email protected].