FAMILIES in Glasgow can beat boredom and freshen up their walking routes with help from Scotland’s national walking charity.
Paths for All has launched its Spring Path Days campaign to help inspire families to enjoy the country’s outdoors with nature-based activities, whilst also reaping the benefits of physical activity.
The campaign includes 30 days of activity ideas, an online content hub, and £1000 worth of outdoor educational prizes for schools and children to win throughout April.
Glasgow has a host of parks and scenic walking routes making for the perfect family day out, with additional activity ideas available on the content hub to keep children entertained.
The Spring Path Day campaign encourages families to try activities such as den building, tree ID, litter picking, walking games and wildlife spotting at their favourite local spots.
With restrictions allowing Scots to travel further afield, Paths for All is helping families remember amazing places to walk and meet-up with friends or family at one of these great spots in Glasgow.
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is completely free to enter and has lots of space and interesting activities for kids to enjoy; from playing in the park, to exploring the glasshouses which homes giant plants and even some goldfish.
2. Maryhill Walking and Nature Trails
The three different trails through Maryhill are suitable for families and are approximately 1.4 miles long – the perfect spot to explore nature and learn about the local history.
3. Cathkin Braes
Cathkin Braes is an area of hills to the south east of Glasgow – with panoramic views over the city, and has a host of walking routes, woodland, grassland – ideal for walking, picnics and informal recreation.
4. Pollock Park
The perfect spot if you’re looking for an adventure – with three mountain bike circuits, 146 hectares of parkland and a variety of woodland walks.
5. Glasgow Green
The oldest park in the city, which is bursting with history and offers something for the whole family to enjoy including play parks, monuments, fountains and walking routes.
- Glasgow Murals Trails
This walk explores the city by foot and visits 29 impressive artwork creations with some placed on iconic buildings.
7. Kelvingrove Park picnic spot
The perfect spot on a sunny day where you can get lost for a couple of hours with nature around every corner.
8. Seven Lochs Wetland Park
Take in the ancient lochs, woodland walks and a wealth of wildlife at the largest urban nature and heritage park in Scotland.
9. Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch Ardinning
The picturesque wildlife haven with areas of wetland, woodland, grassland and moorland is the perfect spot for birdwatching. Two walks around the reserve provide many opportunities to appreciate the wildlife.
10. Queens Park
The park offers a range of sport and recreational facilities along with a boating pond, a smaller nature pond and an adventure playpark.
Rona Gibb, Senior Manager at Paths for All, said: “Fresh air, being outdoors and connecting with
nature is a fun way to socialise with family and friends safely, whilst being positive for our physical and mental health.
“Walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life. As the weather gets warmer and the nights get lighter, there is no better time to incorporate it into your family routine, even if it is just a short walk to school or round the block.
“The Spring Path Days online hub provides a tonne of ideas for families, and offers something to
suit all interests – there is also a selection of competitions to get involved in!”
The charity is encouraging families across Scotland to get involved in its seasonal campaign by sharing a photo of what they have been doing this spring.
All participants will be entered automatically into a prize draw which will see 10 individuals win a den-building kit. One lucky winner will also win a £500 voucher for their school to spend on outdoor educational resources. Entries close on 30 April.
Enter here: https://form.typeform.com/to/MokcLffC?typeform-medium=embed-snippet
Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere. For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk
