Dunoon’s appeal as a fantastic location for cyclists and walkers moves into top gear this week with the launch of the new Dunoon Bothy Project
The Bothy will offer a range of activities for both experienced and new cyclists and walkers from its temporary base at the town’s pier.
Operated by Cycling UK and part funded by Argyll and Bute Council, the new facility is based on the successful Gourock Bothy which has proved a major attraction for Inverclyde locals and visitors since 2018.
The Dunoon Bothy offers opportunities for people to trial walking and cycling, including guided health walks and cycle rides, family cycle trips, the chance to trial the latest electric bikes as well providing general advice on the health benefits of walking and cycling.
In tandem with the Bothy’s launch, the Council is also launching a new Dunoon Forward smartphone app, developed with funding from the Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme.
The free app is a collaboration with Dunoon based Tacit-Tacit, Aerial Digital and the local community. It offers five digital trails in Dunoon and highlights local attractions and tips on exploring the town and nearby area. For younger cyclists and walkers, the app includes a treasure trail game.
Details and links to download the app can be found on the Council’s website /dunoon-forward
Both projects are part of a series of active travel initiatives in Dunoon in which the Council has now invested more than £50,000 including refurbishment of the finger sign posts and revision and re-printing of the Dunoon Walking and Cycling maps. /transport-and-streets/oban-walking-and-cycling-map
Argyll and Bute Council contributed £15,000 towards creating and operating the new Bothy. Funding was secured from the Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All on behalf of Transport Scotland.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy lead, Business, Regeneration and Commercial Development:
"We continue to invest in initiatives that position Argyll and Bute as a fantastic location for people in our communities to live and work and as a top destination for visitors. With the recent growth in the popularity of domestic tourism, this is the ideal time to further enhance Dunoon’s appeal as a great place to enjoy the outdoors with the launch of the new Bothy Project and the Dunoon Forward app.”
Dunoon is the second location in Argyll and Bute to received funding from Argyll and Bute Council for a Bothy, following Ardrishaig which was established in 2019 and is popular with residents and visitors to Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead and the Crinan Canal.