POUND & PACE Charity Walk

Wed 9th June 2010

Wednesday 2nd June 2010

It is back again by popular demand!  Last years funding raising walk was yet again deemed so successful by both those taking part and the organisers it will be taking place again on Wednesday 9th June 2010.  All funds raised on the day will go to the Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde and Accord Hospice, Renfrewshire.

You do not need to be a member of a walking group to get involved, anyone can take part  - all you need to do is donate a POUND (£1 to charity) & PACE (walk).

Since the first walk in 2007 nearly 300 members and friends of the Health Walking Groups in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde & North Ayrshire have taken part.  The route is 10.5 km or 7.5 miles long and follows the historic line of the newly restored Greenock Cut, the mini canal that took water for power and drinking water to the people of Greenock in the 19th and early 20th century. 

Senga McLeod, Walk Development Officer in Renfrewshire said ‘The initial idea, inspired by Terry Robinson, now retired Chief Ranger at Clyde Muirshiel has mushroomed as more and more folk, from all the regions around the Regional Park area get together for a day of healthy sociable walking for a good cause.  Local suppliers are also helping by providing raffle prizes and refreshments”.

Judy McCready, Senior Ranger at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre said:  “The recent restoration work has given the 180 year old Cut a new lease of life with more people getting out and enjoying the health benefits of this very scenic level route way.  We hope this organised walk will encourage more people to get out and take advantage of the access improvements as well.”

It you would like more information about taking part, or would like to donate a raffle prize please contact tel 01475 521 458 or drop into the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre at Cornalees, it is open Monday to Sunday all season from 11am until 4pm with an interactive exhibition about the Greenock Cut, a family friendly wildlife tank, swallowcam plus information on walks and wildlife, events and activities plus refreshments and gifts.

ENDS

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Wed 9 June      2010     Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, PA16 2PZ tel 01475 521 458

Registration  From 10.15 hrs at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

Walk starts       11am, reaching Overton approx 11.30 – 11.45 hrs

Finishing           from 14.30 hrs at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Greenock Cut is a 6.5km aquaduct that takes water from Loch Thom to Greenock.  It was built by Robert Thom in 1825 –1827 it includes 23 bridges & 2 bothies.  The Cut supplied the people of Greenock with water power for the industries and drinking water.

The Cut was used until 1971 when it was superseded by at tunnel and designated an Ancient Monument in 1972.  The £1 million Heritage Lottery Funded restoration and access improvement project was completed in 2009. 

More details on the work of Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde or Accord Hospice, Renfrewshire can be found at www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk  or www.accordhospice.org.uk

It was the strong wishes of Terry Robinson, Chief Ranger at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park from 1974 to 2006 to mark his retirement with a contribution to Erskine, hence all funds raised on the first walk in 2007 went to Erskine.  More details can be found at www.erskine.org.uk.   Terry was part of the team that progressed the health benefits of walking and helped get the Walk to Health groups set up around the Regional Park. 

The Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority is a joint committee of Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire Councils.

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, near Inverkip tel 01475 521 458 is open Mon to Sun 11:00 to 16:00 hours in summer and Sat & sun 11.00 – 15.00 hrs in winter with an interactive exhibition about the Greenock Cut, a family friendly wildlife tank, swallowcam, Countryside Ranger Service plus information on walks, & wildlife as well as refreshments and a gift shop.

Clyde Muirshiel is a member of

AVAA - Ayrshire Visitor Attractions Association, a partnership group working together to develop best practise and promote the wide range and variety of attractions in the area for the benefit of locals and visitors, look out for the ‘Great Days Out Ayrshire’ leaflet or on the website www.greatdaysoutayrshire.com for details of members.

Visit Renfrewshire.com and a great place to find information and good deals on local accommodation, places to eat and other local attractions.

Discover Inverclyde.com This newly launched website provides a one stop location for information on attractions, activities, offers and events for visitors and local alike in the Inverclyde area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:                           

FIONA CARSWELL Development & Marketing Officer, CMRP tel 01505 614 791

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