Date :
27/10/2014
International arrivals at Glasgow airport will now step straight from the plane into an idyllic woodland scene, complete with wildlife, smells of the forest and birdsong thanks to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. The arrivals walkway has been transformed into an interactive loch-side woodland experience of Scotland’s first National Park, leading weary travellers along the popular West Highland Way, and allowing them to stop on a bench to take in the scenery.
The 3D sensory experience expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors arriving into Glasgow in summer 2015, giving them a taste of the beautiful countryside within easy reach of Glasgow.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport said "Not only will it create a real sense of place, it will hopefully inspire people to visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs during their visit to Scotland."
In addition to the West Highland Way, visitors to the Park itself can enjoy its extensive network of paths and routes including the newly opened John Muir Way, the West Loch Lomond Cycle Route, National Cycle Route 7 and 390km of paths within 2km of settlements. A set of route maps for cycling in the Park will be available for visitors to use from next summer. Paths offer visitors and residents a free way to exercise, enjoy the countryside, make local journeys or spend time with friends and family. Crucially, they also offer a great opportunity for local business to provide facilities to path-users.
Connecting Scotland – improving our path networks
As well as the excellent network of local paths in Scotland, each access authority (Local Authority and National Park Authority) is required to consult with local communities, land managers and path users to draw up a plan of path networks in their area. According to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park website, paths designated as ‘core paths’, such as the West Highland Way, are the essential paths that people need to get about their area and enjoy the outdoors.
This can include waterways; they should give access to walkers, canoeists, horse-riders and cyclists. Core paths plans are designed to cater for everyone, including access for people with disabilities. Paths are also signposted and shown on Ordinance Survey (OS) maps.
Scotland's core paths are a valuable resource that can connect visitors to your business. Sharing knowledge of paths could attract overnight visitors keen to participate in outdoor activities, alert people to a free and safe means of travelling to your business or establish your business as a regular stop for cyclists.
Further reading
Visit the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park website to find out more about paths development and more.
Download the Tourism Intelligence Guide on Walking.