Outdoor Access Sub Group

By Amanda on Thu, 05/17/2012 - 15:41

Surrounded by beautiful, if rugged, countryside, we have a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy leisure activities such as walking, cycling and horseriding.  With the Clyde at our doorstep, we even have access to canoeing.  

Walking towards Elvanfoot from Abington

Our community consultation showed that there was a strong feeling that we were not making the most of our access to the Great Outdoors, so our Outdoor Access Working Group has been set up to consult with local landowners to see where we can go and what we can do.

The Group will be updating this section with news and information as we start consultations with various user groups over the next few months, so pop back and see what they've come up with.

 

Our Outdoor Access Plan will include:

  • Walking and Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Mountain Biking
  • Running
  • Horse Riding
  • Fishing
  • Shooting

Our Consultations so far show a need for:

  • Visitor Centre
  • Central Signposting across area
  • Drying Room
  • Secure bike lockup
  • Refreshments (local food/produce)
  • Tie-ins with local businesses
  • Partnerships with local landowners

Most importantly, our area is travelled by thousands of people each year, who are mainly on the M74 and the A702 heading for other leisure destinations.  Our group feels strongly that we have an opportunity to make our area a tourist and leisure destination, while creating spaces that our local residents can also enjoy.  Our Working Group will focus on creating great leisure routes and also on developing sustainable economic growth through attracting visitors.

Comments

Cas n Matt - Sun, 09/16/2012 - 15:41

Helloooooooo,
 
What a fantastic idea making use of the wind farm!!!
 
Maybe to add to it, in time we could make an Outdoor Education Centre for schools or Adventure Training for the forces?  Even bring in H4H etc for a bit of a lifeline in South Scotland that the wounded can come for a retreat and make use of all the facilities, although realising we would need Bikes, Horses etc geared up for people with disabilities.
 
I think this would also create great job opportunities for the local people and bring in the local business's too......even the campsite in Crawford.....if it were to reopen?  Children/ Forces etc could use this as a base for a few days whilst making the most of the area....walking, nature trails, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding etc.
 
I hope this isn't too much waffle.......  Just think it is one brilliant opportunity to get this area on the map...yeahhhh!
 
Cheers Cassie x
 

admin - Wed, 10/03/2012 - 20:28

Hey, thanks for posting.  I'm about to upload some ideas that I've been drawing out this afternoon and you'll see there's lots of room for more ideas from you too :)
We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but we can end up with a fantastic opportunity for our community... talk soon
 
Amanda xoxo