FAMILIES in Stirling can beat boredom and freshen up their walking routes with help from Scotland’s national walking charity.
Stirling Head Quartered 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.
The central belt 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 the central belt.
- Linlithgow Palace and Loch
The perfect spot for a family day out with several parks dotted around the circular route round the loch, passing by Linlithgow Palace – the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, bursting with history and wildlife.
- The Helix
A family friendly parkland with activities including cycling, walking, watersports and an adventure zone. The Helix is also home to The Kelpies, two 30-metre-high horse head sculptures. The spot is connected by two National Cycle Routes as well as the new John Muir Trail.
- Beecraigs and Cockleroy
A wide range of leisure & recreational activities within 913 acres with many waymarked trails, an adventure play area and an animal attraction. Why not also incorporate fantastic views from the top of Cockleroy into your walk?
- Muiravonside
A woodland and parkland area with a farm animal attraction, a sculpture trail and a children’s play area with the River Avon trail running through the site – the perfect spot for adventure.
- Carron Valley Reservoir
The Loch Shore woodland trail offers views across the large reservoir, with little woodland burns and lots of wildlife to look out for on the water.
- Bo’ness Foreshore to Blackness Castle
Pack a bag full of your favourite treats and follow the Public Right of Way from Bo’ness to Blackness enjoying fantastic views and ending at Blackness Castle for a picnic.
7. The Forth Bridges
The three bridges are an impressive sight as they cross the Firth of Forth, walking over the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry is a great day out and a chance to catch some amazing views.
- Callendar House and Park
If you’re looking for an action-packed day or a place to take children for a picnic, to burn off some energy in a park or even a short stroll, Callendar Park has something for everyone
- Falkirk Wheel
Endless outdoor fun is on offer at the Falkirk Wheel, from a host of walking trails to an adventure park area to sailing the waters on a boat trip (once Covid-19 restrictions ease) – there is lots to discover.
10. Union canal walks
Follow the Union Canal towpath from Falkirk to Edinburgh on the waterside cycle and path route with lots of nature and wildlife to spot on the way.
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
