Article Source: Trust in the Park
Last Updated: 19 July 2024 16:03
Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase the Park's extensive network of accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes this summer.
A new short film titled ‘Gateways’, now available on YouTube, underscores the Trust’s commitment to making active travel accessible to all.
The film, supported by Paths for All’s 'Smarter Choices Smarter Places' fund, encourages people to slow down, connect with nature and explore the national park by active transport, leaving their cars at home.
Markus Stitz, the first person to cycle around the world on a single-speed mountain bike, was commissioned by the Trust to make the film in recognition of his dedication to removing barriers to the great outdoors.
Through his lens, viewers are invited to explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities that make the national park a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
Known for his bikepacking adventures across the world, Stitz has a particular fondness for his adopted homeland: “Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, widely recognised as the birthplace of Scottish tourism and the gateway to the Highlands, is setting new standards in accessibility with its extensive network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
“It features some of the world’s most outstanding places to walk, wheel and cycle, with trails through some of Scotland’s most stunning natural habitats, from native woodlands and peatlands to mountains and lochs.”
Filmed entirely through active travel modes, ‘Gateways’ journeys through the park’s picturesque landscapes and communities offering a glimpse into the lives of those who live and work there. Including hand bike enthusiast Neil Russell, who enthuses about the accessible adventures the National Park offers him: “One of the things I love most is how easily you can get out and feel quite remote, immersed in nature. Coming from Stirling, Glasgow or Edinburgh you're very quickly out here enjoying this environment and getting to see the wildlife.”
Gordon Allan, Manager of The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, also features in the film:
“The best thing about having our steamship back on the water is that we can get accessible bikes on board. We had a chap last year whose excitement was palpable when he came back to Loch Katrine. He said it was fantastic to come to Trossachs pier, sail on the steamship to Stronachlachar and then return under his own power.”
As well as scenic boat trips, the National Park encompasses key trails like the West Highland Way, Rob Roy Way and the Great Trossachs Path, alongside the National Cycle Network Route 7 (Lochs and Glens Way).
Jim Riach, the Trust’s Active Travel Officer, explains:
“With several of Scotland’s most famous active travel routes passing through the area, connecting with nature and the Park’s gateway communities of Aberfoyle, Callander, Arrochar and Tarbet couldn’t be easier.
“The Park not only offers amazing trails and stunning landscapes but also everything you need to support your adventure, from welcoming accommodation and cafes to an extensive network of bike shops and rental services that make leaving the car at home an attractive option.”
Adding: “What fascinates me about living and working in this area is the passion that people have for their home, and for cycling, walking, and wheeling throughout the seasons.”
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is accessible to half of Scotland’s population by either public or active travel. Arrochar and Tarbet are well-connected by train and bus, while Aberfoyle and Callander offer good bus connections to the train station in Stirling. During the peak tourist season (July to October), the Trossachs Explorer service further enhances accessibility by connecting Callander and Aberfoyle with popular attractions and active travel routes.
Discover cycling, walking and wheeling routes and plan your journey to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park by public transport at www.trustinthepark.org.
Follow @trustinthepark on social media for itinerary inspiration and tag your sustainable journey using #AJourneyThatMatters.
Link to the film here
The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.
READ MOREOn National Food Bank Day, Edinburgh Food Social invites the community to join in their mission of empowering children through essential food education.
READ MOREHold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!
READ MOREOn Thursday 26th September, Lannan - Darcie Maher's Stockbridge bakery - will host a pop-up by Jess Elliott Dennison, food writer and founder of Elliott's, in celebration of Jess's new book.
READ MOREFilm fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.
READ MOREAre you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?
READ MOREWhat better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!
READ MORELeading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton.
READ MOREFestival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.
READ MOREStudents go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.
READ MOREBongou Cafe, Edinburgh's cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments!
READ MOREWith a valid student ID, students throughout the capital can enjoy a range of bar bites and drinks to welcome them back to university.
READ MOREThe Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a new relaxed waterside drinking spot anchored in Old Leith.
READ MOREFeaturing a 10-day programme of new experiences and festival features that promises to raise the bar for cocktail enthusiasts and fun-seeking festival goers across the country.
READ MORETickets are now on sale for the only Scottish dates to be announced for the first ever world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
READ MOREConceptual dining experience Six by Nico will transports guests to the vibrant streets of the Japanese capital with their next innovative tasting menu, Tokyo!
READ MOREWhether you're exploring Edinburgh's attractions or looking for a sweet pit-stop, Fudge Kitchen's welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering fudge are sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.
READ MOREAfter thousands of votes were cast for the inaugural Edinburgh Bar Awards, the top venues in Edinburgh's vibrant bar scene have been announced today.
READ MOREPrepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!
READ MOREAspiring writers and literature enthusiasts, prepare to embark on an enlightening journey into the world of publishing at the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival.
READ MOREParticipants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.
READ MOREThe Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s new Creative Director says bringing the music to 'life' and putting the 'skip' into the performances are the key aims of his new role.
READ MOREA medical aesthetics clinic is bringing two cutting-edge treatments and Hailey Bieber's favourite skin care brand to Edinburgh as part of its recent expansion.
READ MOREAhead of an action-packed September for the Scotland Women’s rugby team, players Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd and Eva Donaldson visited the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.
READ MOREToday, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.
READ MOREDistinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.
READ MOREThe winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!
READ MOREWith Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!
READ MOREFilm fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!
READ MOREThe popular ‘Siege on the Forth’ event will be returning to Blackness Castle on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September.
READ MORE