Callander Cycle Route Spruced Up In Time For Summer

Families in Callander and Strathyre are being encouraged to get on their bikes this summer following substantial investment in a popular cycle route along Loch Lubnaig. This section of National Route 7, which runs between Callander and Strathyre, has been significantly improved over the last three years. In recent weeks the Strathyre village section has been upgraded, making it more accessible for cyclists of all levels. An area of path running to Strathyre Primary School has also been improved to encourage pupils to cycle to school. The improvements are the result of a partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland and Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, who invested £20,000 in the project this year. The upgrade co-incides with the Commission’s Active Woods campaign which is aiming to help improve the nation's health and wellbeing by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s woods and forests. Andy Malcolm, of the Commission, says the improvements will make it easier than ever for people in the area to give cycling a go. He explained: “Cycling is a popular activity which as well as being great fun, is an effective way of getting some exercise in the fresh air. “As part of our Active Woods campaign we look at ways of making it easier for people to get out and about in their local woods. “Hopefully the extensive work to National Route 7 will encourage more people in the local area to use the paths and we are particularly keen to offer schoolchildren the chance to cycle to school. “Active children are more likely to be active adults and are less likely to suffer from many serious health problems in later life.” Improvements to National Route 7 include a new ramp to make it easier for walkers and cyclists to get from Strathyre car park to the route, new railings, drop kerbs and tarring over part of the route. The route was also cleared of overgrown bushes and branches and one of the bridges painted. For more information about cycling in the Callander area contact the local Forestry Commission Scotland office on 01877 382 383. For more information about the Forestry Commission Scotland's Active Woods campaign log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).