Peter walks his way to health in Inverclyde

Now a volunteer Walk Leader, Peter shares how the walks have helped him manage his health, discover more of Inverclyde, and form meaningful connections with others.

A new start in Inverclyde

After living in Glasgow for many years, Peter moved to Inverclyde following the loss of his wife. Keen to be closer to his daughter, he hoped a change of scenery would also provide opportunities to meet new people. Peter explained:

I tried a Ramblers walking group initially, but it was just a bit too fast-paced for my knees and ankles. That’s when my daughter mentioned a walking project she’d seen based at the train station

Walking for health and motivation

Peter’s primary motivation for joining the Bothy Health Walks was to stay active and manage his Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). He shared:

I was diagnosed a few years back and decided to make lifestyle changes to get it under control. I lost about two stone by watching my diet and walking more. Joining a group gave me the motivation I needed to stay active, especially during the winter months 

For Peter, the walks offered more than just physical health benefits.

I’m not a natural socialiser, but the walks gave me a reason to get out of the house and meet people. As a retired bus driver, I have more time now, and being part of this group helps me balance my hobbies like gaming with something active

Joining and leading the Bothy walks

Peter began attending the weekly walks in summer 2023, drawn in by their welcoming environment and manageable pace.

The walks were perfect—just the right distance and speed. I felt welcomed straight away and enjoyed walking with groups of 20 or more people. Walking in company is always better than walking alone

By spring 2024, Peter decided to take the next step and become a volunteer Walk Leader.

Now, I’m part of a team of 15 volunteers. I lead two walks a week, including shorter ‘Stroll’ walks for beginners. Sometimes I’m not walking far myself, but that’s okay—I’m there to support others to get involved

As a Walk Leader, Peter has explored new areas of Inverclyde and met more of the community, both volunteers and walkers alike.

Health, community, and connection

Peter credits the Bothy walks with keeping him active and helping him feel connected to his local area.

Before I moved here, walking was already helping me manage my T2D, but joining the Bothy walks added a social element. It’s a great way to meet people and feel part of the community.

The positive impact of walking has extended to his personal life as well.

I now regularly meet my daughter after work, and we go for a walk and catch up. She’s even joined me on a couple of Bothy walks recently, meeting my fellow volunteers and seeing what I do in my spare time.

Peter’s story is a testament to how walking, whether for health or leisure, can transform daily life.

Now, as a volunteer, I see how group walks can be a truly social experience. I’m happy to be part of something that helps others stay active and connected.

Peter’s journey highlights the transformative power of walking for health, social connection, and community engagement. Through the Inverclyde Bothy Health Walks, he’s not only improving his own wellbeing but also helping others take their first steps toward an active lifestyle. 

Cycling UK is continuing to transform Inverclyde through its Connecting Communities programme and the new Cycle Access Fund, which replaced the Access Bikes programme this year.

Connecting Communities unites Cycling UK’s Rural Connections and The Bothies projects to support active travel in rural and remote areas of Scotland. Inverclyde Bothy, a key location, continues under the Connecting Communities programme banner, offering a familiar space at Gourock train station that encourages walking and cycling.