Golspie gets pedal power
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Like everyone else, Amanda Wagstaffe is keen to see the end of lockdown and life return to some semblance of normality. But she is particularly looking forward to restrictions ending in order to push forward with an exciting project which has been held back by the coronavirus pandemic.
Amanda is Cycling UK’s project co-ordinator for Golspie Bothy, an initiative which aims to encourage people to walk and cycle for more of their everyday, local journeys.
Cycling UK, a national charity which promotes cycling and supports cyclists, is working in partnership with development group Go Golspie to establish Golspie Bothy.
According to Cycling UK’s website, the definition of a bothy is a ‘Scottish place of shelter that is free for all to use’ and it says that it is in this spirit that hubs are being set up in various areas. Successful bothies have already been established at Inverclyde and Ardrishaig.
Funding to pay for the costs of setting up Golspie Bothy and to purchase bikes has come from Smarter Choices, Smarter Places and the Energy Saving Trust.
When fully up and running, the project will offer the free use of electric bikes to key workers and will run a programme of cycle rides and walks on local trails, as well as develop new trails, maps, signposting and cycle shelters.
Golspie Bothy does not have a physical home yet, but it is hoped eventually to source additional funding for premises.
A former childminder and family support worker, Amanda did not get into cycling until she was an adult.
“I went on my first bike ride 10 years ago with my partner,” she said. “We only went three miles and I had to get off to push my bike up a little hill, but I loved it. It was about enjoying being outdoors. I did eventually join East Sutherland Wheelers and discovered I had a love for cycling and speed. I did time trials for a while, but my passion now is just getting on a bike and going on trails.”
She continued: “I am a qualified cycling coach and used to coach people to race, but now I just like empowering people to get on their bikes – and walk as well – just to enjoy the outdoors and realise what is on their doorstep.
“Going out for half-an-hour can make all the difference to the rest of your day and how you are feeling.
“I get so much out of encouraging others and if I can go from not being on a bike at all to cycling all the time, then anyone can do it.”
The Energy Saving Trust’s £20,000 funding has been used to purchase eight electric bikes, two of which are step-through, making them easier to mount and dismount. The other six bikes, which have yet to be delivered, have front suspension and wider tyres, making them suitable for riding on off-road trails.
The bikes will be available to key workers, including shops, businesses, home carers, community project staff and anyone else who would potentially like to cycle for work purposes or to the local shops.
In addition, Amanda has already taken delivery of an e-cargo bike purchased through Heaven Bikes, Bonar Bridge. It will be offered to workplaces, small businesses and NHS staff to make carbon-free deliveries and visits.
“We will provide training on how to use the bikes and also extra training if required on essential cycle skills to those who are not confident,” she said.
“We’ll be holding demo days in different areas, locations and workplaces to try out the bikes and will be supporting workplaces to become more cycle-friendly to their employees and service users.
“People seem to be a bit concerned about e-bikes, saying they are for ‘cheats’ or ‘older people’ and they do not know how they work. But I don’t know anybody who has tried an e-bike and been disappointed. They have enough power to get up the steepest hill around here.”
The Lawson Memorial Hospital in Golspie has already sourced funding through Cycling Scotland to build a bike shelter with an e-charging point.
Whilst in lockdown, Amanda has been working behind the scenes to ensure that when restrictions are lifted, the project is ready to deliver its first led walks and rides.
She has liaised with Nature Scot and Highland Wildcat to improve the paths and trails in Balblair woods and the blue routes on the Wildcat trails. She has also linked up with Sam Somerville who runs Sam’s bikes at Drummuie. He can provide a bike to anyone who does not have one but is keen to join a ride.
Ten volunteer health walk leaders and eight cycle ride leaders have been trained to deliver free, short, accessible group walks.
Amanda said: “Once restrictions have eased we will be putting together a programme of weekly walks and rides which will be suitable for everyone.
“Low-level, flat walks and rides at whatever pace is needed. Nobody gets left behind.”
Amanda has a “vision” for the next five years which includes linking up Golspie and Brora with a cycle path.
“If we can link up Golspie and Brora, it will have a knock-on effect on tourism. A lot of people would visit and stay longer if it was possible to cycle between the communities without going on the A9,” she said.
“Golspie Bothy is funded on a yearly basis at the moment but the idea is that Cycling UK will find funding to keep it going, which they have done with other bothies.
“We are here to progress and develop it and to get more and more people to think about not using cars for shorter journeys, but to walk or get on their bikes instead.”
For more information on Golspie Bothy or to volunteer, contact Amanda Wagstaffe on 07833 938938 or email amandawagstaffe@cyclinguk.org Follow Golspie Bothy on Facebook at facebook.com/GolspieBothy
