Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park

Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!

The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!

Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween

Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Community group celebrates four years of success thanks to green funding

A once little-known and unmanaged woodland in South Lanarkshire is now a vibrant outdoor learning space, thanks to a £117k renewables grant.

Enjoy the inaugural Haunted Hatchlings Duck Dash: Curse of the Black Lade at New Lanark World Heritage Site this Halloween

For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the 'eerie' Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Motherwell shopper scoops cash for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Zombies break out of M&Ds Scream Park

Shoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park

Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings