Sign up and take a sponsored walk along the Union Canal
TAKE A WALK ON THE WATER SIDE & SIGN UP TO A SPONSORED WALK IN EDINBURGH ALONG THE UNION CANAL ON 13 SEPTEMBER
The canal network once acted as the arteries for commerce and trade, as merchants and industrialists used them to transport their goods by water. Barges and boats laden with fabrics, coal and iron coursed along the waterways taking their precious cargo across the country. While the commercial use of the canals may have diminished, the waterways have experienced a renaissance, this time with walkers keen to take in the historic surroundings of the canals and connect with nature.
The charities Leonard Cheshire Disability and The Waterways Trust are offering people the chance to experience the history of the canals and the wildlife that surround them with a sponsored ‘water walk'.
On Sunday 13 September walkers will meet in Spylaw Park, Colinton Village, from 10.30am onwards for the 4 mile walk. The route will take walkers along part of the Water of Leith and then they will join the Union Canal to the finish at Edinburgh Quay. There will also be a shorter, fully accessible, route of 1.5 miles available. Walkers need to raise £7.50 per person, or £20 for a family.
The walk has already gathered backing from the Scottish Parliament as local MSP David McLetchie lodged a motion of support wishing the event every success. (That the Parliament welcomes Leonard Cheshire Disability's sponsored Waterwalks from Colinton Village to Edinburgh Quay on 13 September 2009, which are not only a healthy way of raising money for charity but also encourage people to discover Edinburgh's beautiful hidden gem, the Union Canal, and wishes all participants an enjoyable and successful day out.)
Walkers will be able to stop off en route for refreshments and visit the free interactive exhibition at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre and perhaps finish the walk trying their hand at Edinburgh's newest indoor golf attraction, The Clubhouse at Edinburgh Quay, in the Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive competitions. People who take part in the water walk can take up discounts for Cargo, Zizzi, Nando's and Tenpin bowling.
Walkers can decide the pace they want to walk at and the distance they want to walk for. There will be different activities along the routes and children can take part in activities including a photography competition, plus a "Did you know?" quiz about the Union Canal.
Jo Pike, Edinburgh based Fundraising Manager for Leonard Cheshire Disability said: "We would like to thank David McLetchie for his support of the water walk. The walk will give people an opportunity to enjoy the combination of water, wildlife and greenery as they join their fellow walkers, after which there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy special discounts at local restaurants and leisure facilities. We want as many people as possible to sign up to make it an unforgettable day."
Joanne Darlington, Director of The Waterways Trust, explains: "We are delighted to be teaming up with Leonard Cheshire Disability to raise awareness of what our wonderful historic waterways have to offer people of all abilities and to raise much needed money towards the protection of the wildlife that inhabits them. We hope to raise in excess of £10,000 for both charities in this our first year and to increase that pot in years to come as the event becomes more established."
To sign up to the Water Walks go to www.LCDisability.org/waterwalks or telephone: 0845 055 2195.
Leonard Cheshire Disability supports over 21,000 disabled people in the UK and work in 54 countries. The charity campaigns for change and provides innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way.
In Edinburgh, Leonard Cheshire Disability provides services in 11 locations throughout the city.
The Waterways Trust is a national charity working in partnership with others to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK's inland waterways. The Trust raises funds for waterway regeneration, conservation, recreation, community, arts, education and access projects. www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
Motion lodged by David McLetchie MSP:
S3M-04676 David McLetchie (Edinburgh Pentlands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): Waterwalks for Leonard Cheshire Disability- S3M-04676 David McLetchie (Edinburgh Pentlands) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): Waterwalks for Leonard Cheshire Disability- That the Parliament welcomes Leonard Cheshire Disability's sponsored Waterwalks from Colinton Village to Edinburgh Quay on 13 September 2009, which are not only a healthy way of raising money for charity but also encourage people to discover Edinburgh's beautiful hidden gem, the Union Canal, and wishes all participants an enjoyable and successful day out.
Supported by: Bob Doris, Bill Aitken, Sarah Boyack, John Lamont, Alex Johnstone, Elizabeth Smith, Murdo Fraser, Jackson Carlaw, Margaret Mitchell, Kenneth Gibson, Ken Macintosh, Mary Scanlon, Bill Kidd, Jackie Baillie, Robin Harper, Gavin Brown, Ted Brocklebank, Mike Pringle, Joe FitzPatrick
Lodged on Tuesday, August 11, 2009; Current
August 2009
