Duathlon feature: The SYHActive Duathlon takes in a stunning route round the shoulder of Ben Lomond including a cycle back from Inversnaid via three lochs, Aberfoyle and Drymen - April 18, 2015
On Saturday 18th April 2015 SYHA Hostelling Scotland (www.syha.org.uk) will host the inaugural SYHActive Day, a celebration of the great outdoors at Rowardennan Youth Hostel on the shores of Loch Lomond at the heart of The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
SYHActive (www.syha.org.uk/syhactive.aspx), which includes a sponsored duathlon and a free outdoor activity showcase, is being staged to encourage as many people as possible to experience first hand the multitude of opportunities Scotland’s stunning countryside has to offer.
Keith Legge, SYHA Hostelling Scotland Chief Executive, said: ”We want to make everyone aware of what Scotland has to offer and highlight all the benefits of outdoor activities and the natural environment. Hostelling provides an affordable way to explore the country and also the option to meet like-minded people, go as a group, with family, try new activities or enjoy some time on your own.
“The SYHActive challenge follows a stunning route round the shoulder of Ben Lomond and then a cycle back from Inversnaid via three lochs, Aberfoyle and Drymen - a great experience for participants, whilst also raising funds for our youth programmes.”
The new SYHActive outdoor challenge is an open, individual or team duathlon (run or walk and cycle) for all fitness abilities; organised with Sport Ecosse Events. Setting off from Rowardennan Youth Hostel, competitors will run or walk 10 miles round the shoulder of Ben Lomond to Inversnaid. From the transition point the 34-mile cycle ride will pass Lochs Arklet, Chon and Ard on the way to Aberfoyle. The route then heads to Drymen and along the coast of Loch Lomond before finishing back at Rowardennan.
Participants in the SYHActive Challenge will be required to raise sponsorship to support SYHA's youth activity programmes. These successful programmes tackle social exclusion by offering groups of vulnerable or disadvantaged young people the opportunity to take part in action-packed activity holidays at youth hostels across Scotland. The programmes are designed to push the youngsters to realise the true extent of their abilities and to inspire them to think differently about their future pathways within and beyond school.
The showcase will include activity providers Can You Experience and Boots & Paddles, who work with SYHA youth programmes, offering taster sessions for a variety of adventure activities, from canoeing to raft building. A number of national outdoor, youth, environmental and wildlife organisations will be attending the showcase, including Forestry Commission Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, RSPB and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. They will bestow the many benefits of Scotland’s great outdoors and the numerous activities, adventures and learning experiences open to those who want to explore it and get the very best out of it all year round. There will also be refreshments available all day, including a barbecue in the afternoon; local produce and craft stalls, live bands and some child-friendly activities to keep the very young entertained.
The SYHActive outdoor showcase is a free event and open to all. However SYHA Hostelling Scotland requests that all those intending to attend register by emailing: SYHActive@syha.org.uk.
The cost to enter the SYHActive challenge is £20 with the aim to raise a further £50 or more in sponsorship for SYHA youth programmes.
For further details and to enter go to: www.syha.org.uk/syhactive
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