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
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORETopgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREOne lucky East Kilbride winner has raised £739.03 for Children's Hospices Across Scotland while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself on the Supermarket Sweep challenge!
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MOREAn Albino hypnotist and mind reader who was inspired by Derren Brown to launch a stage career has helped people to cure their fear of exotic spiders and snakes.
READ MOREA brand new 'Power Trail' has officially launched at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde, exploring the remarkable story of waterpower, from 18th-century cotton mills to 21st-century renewable energy.
READ MOREM&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is celebrating National Carers Week (9th to 15th June) by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers in recognition of the huge amount work that they do.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORECineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MOREScotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORELoch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MOREMiss Rachel fever, the American YouTuber who creates baby and toddler learning videos, is sweeping Scotland.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MOREAldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MOREAldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MOREAmazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, has appointed Courtney Whiteman as an Education Officer.
READ MOREFilm fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MOREFamilies can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORENew Lanark is thrilled to announce the return of its most popular family event – the Duck Festival!
READ MORE