Families get active at Torvean Park Inverness
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Families and individuals had the chance to experience kayaking, cycling and archery for free at Torvean Park today.
Active Ness – organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness – was put on to show people the variety of activities that are right on their doorstep and encourage them to get outdoors, rather than use the car.
People had the chance to paddle down the Caledonian Canal with introductory kayaking sessions thanks to Highland Experiences.
Founder of Highland Experiences, Cory Jones said: “We just wanted to give people a taster of kayaking to see if they want to do it again. We’ve played games and gone for a wee paddle along the canal.
“We’ve had a lot of groups out and everyone has had great fun. People have said they want to do it again, which is great!”
Children were able get a shot on a mobile bike track put on by Muchmedden, which is normally based in Abernethy.
Volunteer Watty Garland said: “We have different levels of tracks for balance bikes, and we can make it easy or hard!
“It’s been steady with people today and it’s been a good day out.”
One of the organisations present was Bowhunter Archery, which was informing people about the activities they run near Nairn.
Claire Driver, an instructor at Bowhunter Archery, said: “We are an outdoor activity and we are a massive supporter of getting people outside.
“This is what the event is all about – getting people moving and in nature.
“We provide lots of different activities such as archery, axe throwing, bushcraft courses and combat archery.”
People also had the chance to try out tandem bikes, trikes, side bikes and hand bikes thanks to Highland Cycle Ability Centre.
Based at Cantray, its aim is to help as many people as possible on bikes, no matter their ability.
Graham MacIveer, bike mechanic at Highland Cycle Ability Centre said: “ We are here to give everyone an idea of what we do.
“We have 75 bikes of different types. We are wanting to get as many people on bikes as possible!
“We want people who don’t think they can get on a bike or don’t have confidence to try it out. We have 1.2km of track so people can come out and enjoy the day.
“It’s so good to see people enjoy themselves. You can see such a difference in people when they come back.”
Michael Golding chief executive at Visit Inverness Loch Ness who was present at the taster day added: “We wanted to encourage people about active travel, show them the different activities and showcase what there is on offer here.
“It’s been a great day! We’d love to do another one again.”
