Sport and leisure

Paths for All have launched their autumn Step Count Challenge, which begins on Monday 30October.

For four weeks, teams of five from workplaces across Scotland will make a change by walking more, tracking and recording their daily step count, and taking part in weekly challenges with the chance to win prizes.

New online walking guides make it easier for people to enjoy short to medium distance walks in and around the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Focussing on walks in the Cowal, Killin and Callander areas, the guides can be easily printed or downloaded to a phone or tablet.

A new walking and cycling route in Tyndrum which allows cyclists to bypass the A82 trunk road has officially opened.

The new path has been created by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust and is suitable for cyclists, horses, buggies and walkers and includes a brand new bridge connecting the communities and businesses of Tyndrum and Crianlarich.

A new plan has launched setting out how all those with responsibility for the Cairngorms National Park will coordinate their work to tackle the most important issues over the next five years.

The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (2017-2022) will deliver the following long-term outcomes for the National Park:

A range of 'Wee Hills with Big Views' are being highlighted by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

These hills can be enjoyed by people of all levels of fitness - and you don't need to be an experienced hill walker.

Gordon Watson, chief executive of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said:

A walking initiative in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has received a Certificate of Excellence from Age Scotland.

Irvine Valley Walking Festival

Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership are holding their 15th Annual Walking Festival on the weekend of 12-14 May 2017.

Along with walks of varying lengths and difficulty level, there are lots of activities taking place including a Twilight Bat Walk, an Introduction to Map Reading and Taster Ski Sessions at Newmiln Snow and Sports Centre.

All walks and events are free.

Contact Details: Phone 01560 322966/email ivrp@btconnect.com

Clyde and Avon Valley Festival

Discover what secrets are tucked into the Clyde and Avon Valley by taking part in an exciting and vibrant Festival, Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 May 2017.

The programme includes a staggering 38 family-friendly events offered over a fun-packed nine days. Events include walks, talks, exclusive tours, children’s activities, a song writing workshop, musical performances, an orchard open day, photography walks, Blossom Day and Landscape and Heritage Conference. All but two events are free.

Highland LEADER are encouraging potential applicants to come forward with their project ideas.

Funding of over £6.6 million is available for projects that will benefit communities through the area's LEADER programme, which covers the mainland Highlands, the Small Isles and Skye but excludes the city of Inverness and the Cairngorms National Park.

Dumfries and Galloway LEADER Local Action Group are delighted, in a backdrop of change, to have committed £867,041.10 to a mix of community, enterprise and farm diversification projects since March 2016.

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