SPRING has well and truly spring in Helensburgh…and the team behind a campaign aiming to encourage people to make better, and smarter, journeys, locally and across Argyll and Bute, says it’s the perfect time to get out and about.
The ‘Better Journeys’ campaign wants people in Helensburgh and Lomond to make the most of the lighter days and better weather by thinking about becoming more active and spending more time outdoors.
Earlier this year the campaign ran a competition encouraging people in Helensburgh and all over Argyll and Bute to share pictures of themselves making their ‘better journeys’ – for example, by walking or cycling – in the hope of winning a Scotland Loves Local Argyll and Bute gift card.
Among the runners-up was Helensburgh woman Claire Coe, who was one of two people to win a £25 gift card after she shared a picture of herself on the ‘nursery drop-off run’ – actually a cycle ride – with her child on the town’s blossom-filled streets.
The Better Journeys campaign, launched earlier this year, is all about choosing to use the car where and when you can.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Did you know that around 60 per cent of journeys we take between one and two miles are by car?
“Could you make small changes and use the car less, even just once a week? Maybe you could cycle or scoot to school with the kids one day? Walk to your local shop rather than drive if you just need a few things or plan a day out using the bus or train.?
“Small changes can make a big difference and save you money, improve your health and reduce our carbon footprint.”
The campaign is also highlighting the walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting opportunities available in Helensburgh and the surrounding area through the ‘Discover Helensburgh’ app.
If you haven’t used it yet, the app, developed by Argyll and Bute Council with support from Transport Scotland’s Paths for All ‘Smarter Choices, Smarter Places’ initiative, uses a wealth of fascinating historical material and images provided by the team at Destination Helensburgh, the town’s visitor marketing group.
It features a series of self-guided trails in and around the town, including routes along the seafront from Craigendoran to Rhu, to the Duchess Wood and the Woodend Battery, over the Highlandman’s Road to Rhu, and along the John Muir Way to the top of Ben Bouie, to name a few.
Each of the eight trails also uncovers the history behind some of the town’s key buildings and tells app users more about some of the people who helped to shape Helensburgh into the vibrant place it is today.
Similar travel apps are also available for Rothesay, Dunoon, Oban, Campbeltown and Mid Argyll.
The Better Journeys campaign wants to see, and share, your photos of your own ‘better journeys’, whether that be cycling to school or nursery with the kids instead of driving, or enjoying a ‘picture perfect’ moment on a walk or during a day out by train.
You can share your better journey photos by emailing your favourites to photos@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
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