Three women and three kids standing with bikes in front of a gazebo

After months of trying (and failing!) to get there, we finally made it to Gravelfoyle’s PáircRide on Sunday 27 July and it was absolutely worth the wait and so much fun.

Just an hour from Glasgow, Gravelfoyle runs this family-friendly cycling event once a month, offering 10k and 20k trails through the beautiful forests of Aberfoyle. It’s like parkrun, but on bikes! Everyone sets off together, the paths are well-maintained, and cheerful marshals are dotted along the route to help if needed.

As the Families Coordinator for Women on Wheels (WoW), this ride had been on my list for six months (no exaggeration!). Weather warnings and clashing commitments kept getting in the way, but July was our time. For our first go, we kept it small, inviting two families from the WoW Families Programme, who’ve been growing in cycling confidence and exploring new adventures through our family cycling support sessions.

I first spoke to Beth and Kerry from Gravelfoyle over a year ago, and when it became clear that transporting bikes to Aberfoyle might be tricky, they kindly connected me with Nick at Aberfoyle Bike Hire. What a gem - Nick was super helpful and based in such a lovely bike shop with a relaxed café vibe. Highly recommend if you’re looking for bike hire out that way!

We arrived early to get fitted with bikes, and I was blown away by 11-year-old Zainab, who only learned to pedal 18 months ago. She confidently jumped on a small adult Specialized and asked for her saddle high. Love to see it.

It was pouring rain, but that humid, steamy kind where waterproofs feel like a sauna. We picked up our ride numbers, had a quick safety briefing from Kerry, and after a wee wrong turn (my fault - directions are not my strength), we spotted some friendly Shawlands Bike Bus faces and headed to the start together.

Once on the trail, it was glorious. Tree-lined paths, birdsong, and soon, the rain stopped and sunshine broke through. I was quickly overheating in all my layers - cue a quick stop and the classic “boil in the bag” wardrobe change.

Some of the hills were tough, but we tackled them together. Plenty of encouragement, high-fives, and zero shame in hopping off the bikes to walk. Say it with me: It. Is. OK. To. Walk. Your. Bike.

The kids loved the downhills, flying ahead shouting “Wheeeeeee!” at the top of their lungs. There’s really nothing better than watching kids find freedom and joy on a wee family cycling adventure.

The whole ride was relaxed, welcoming, and the perfect intro for any family looking to build confidence on the trails. Oh and it was such a joy to finally meet Kerry McPhee in person! What an amazing thing she has set up.

Already planning the next one.

-Katherine

Everyone had a fabulous day at Gravelfoyle. Here’s what Meg and Tabinda had to say about the experience:

“We really enjoyed the Gravelfoyle ride! From the very beginning, we received a warm welcome from Katherine at WoW and felt supported throughout the entire experience. The cycling route was beautiful, offering plenty of stunning views and blether opportunity. Such a fantastic way to enjoy the great Scottish outdoors and let the kids run wild. It’s a wonderful event, and we’re all hoping to do it again!”

Meg - WoW Families Programme

“We’re both new to the Gravelfoyle experience, and cycling on that type of terrain. First half of the 10km was mainly uphill and rocky, which was exhausting and tiring. However, the latter part was mainly downhill, helping to make the experience both fun and exhilarating. Surrounded by the beautiful, natural environment, it’s an experience that will be remembered for years.”

Tabinda - WoW Families Programme