Glasgow Canal Days Out are joining Climate Fringe Week by hosting events that encourage us all to consider our role in tackling the climate crisis. Planned events include exploring nature, learning how to protect our green spaces and reducing carbon emissions by considering more active travel options such as walking and cycling.
Climate Fringe Week will be a celebration of action on climate change throughout local communities and organisations across Scotland from 18th – 26th September, taking place in-person and online. These events will highlight what people all over the country are doing to take action to tackle the climate crisis and protect green spaces, and encourage others to get involved, too, ahead of COP26.
Canal Days Out are two consecutive Saturday events on 18th and 25th September packed with activity in a celebration of The Forth & Clyde Canal in the north of the city and its vibrant surrounding community. The full events programme for both days is now available here. Highlights include a narrowboat flotilla on Saturday 25th September departing at 2pm from Firhill Basin in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2021 and a wide range of taster sessions and workshops for all ages.
WALKING
As part of Climate Fringe Week, Canal Days Out will include walking tours around the newly re-opened Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve. This inner-city parkland, is a 6.7 hectare greenspace, home to an array of plants, trees and wildlife including roe deer, peregrine falcons, whitethroat warblers and a host of waterfowl. The Claypits are now open providing access to new pathways, boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge which connects the west and east sides of the canal north of Applecross Basin. As well as wildlife, the Claypits also offer spectacular views over the city.
CYCLING
On Saturday 18th September, a number of free cycle rides will be led by Glasgow Canal Co-op members, Free Wheel North. Spaces on cycle rides are available to book here.
Each 45 min led ride will take participants down through the Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve and alongside the Forth & Clyde Canal. Cyclists will see the extent of the impressive regeneration works which are taking place around the canal and how they improve active travel links around the city. The canal side offers a fantastic route for walking and cycling with wildlife, heritage and plenty of green spaces. Rides depart from Applecross Basin and are aimed at adults and children aged 10 years and over. Bikes can be arranged if participants do not have one of their own.
These led bike rides are part of the Glasgow Canal Co-op’s Getting North Glasgow Active project and are funded by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places, which is Paths for All’s programme to increase active and sustainable travel throughout Scotland. The programme is grant-funded by Transport Scotland. Paths for All’s vision is for a happier, healthier Scotland where physical activity improves quality of life and wellbeing for all. The rides are also supported by the The National Lottery Community Fund which distributes over £600m a year to communities across the UK, raised by players of The National Lottery.
Additional led cycle rides are also planned by Canal Days Out event funder and supporter, Sustrans. More details of these rides are to be announced soon. Sustrans will also have an information stand at the canal on Saturday 25th September.
CIVIC HOUSE
More cycling fun is planned for Saturday 18th September outside Civic House on Civic Street as they celebrate the launch day of their new Bike for Good Cycle Hub. Events include confidence building led rides by the canal, the chance to try out e-cargo bikes, and the opportunity to learn in a group cycling lesson for beginners and those returning to cycling. Dr Bike will also be doing bike repairs and information will be available on services for commuters. There will also be free street food, face painting, and henna. Please note some elements of the launch event are bookable activities and part of the Glasgow Women on Wheels Cycle Festival which means spaces are only available for women and nonbinary people. For more details and to book a space please see- Bike for Good
Civic House is Scotland’s first retrofit #PassivWareHaus, creating a case study to demonstrate the potential for post-industrial spaces to be energy positive and beautiful public spaces. Tours of the building as part of Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival on Saturday 18th September are now fully booked but places are still available for their online talk on Thursday 16th September at 6pm. Tickets are available to book here.
Glasgow Canal Days Out will take place on Saturday 18th September and Saturday 25th September. Due to social distancing and to keep visitors safe, most events and activities will be pre-bookable. Glasgow Canal Days Out will continue to monitor and follow Government guidelines in order to take the appropriate safety measures and actions in relation to the COVID-19 virus.
If you are planning to visit one of our Canal Days Out events, why not consider reducing carbon emissions by travelling to the canal by foot, bike or public transport instead. You can also help by reducing waste and leaving no trace by taking litter home with you to recycle.
To book tickets and keep up to date with the Canal Days Out programme see: www.glasgowcanal.com/canaldaysout
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