By Stuart McFarlane

Walkers from all over Scotland are getting ready to pack the streets for the annual Glasgow Kiltwalk.

This year’s route finishes in Balloch in the Moss O’Balloch Park and moves through Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria on the journey.

There are three distances available for walkers of all ages and fitness levels, from the 23-mile Mighty Stride, the 15 mile Big Stroll beginning near Clydebank College, and the six mile Wee Wander.

Organisers from the Kiltwalk have been in the area over the winter months checking the route and the location of the various pit stops that will be placed around the course to offer the walkers some respite. 

This year’s event is due to host 7,000 walkers which represents a major upgrade on last year’s event, where around 4,000 walkers took to the streets to raise money for a series of charitable causes.

Kiltwalk CEO, Paul Cooney, said: “It was good last year, but people are really responding well this year. People now know the event and trust it, knowing that every penny raised goes to charity and it’s known for being really good fun as well.

The Kiltwalk has become one of the biggest days of the year in the local area, and Kiltwalk organisers have expressed their support in sending the event through the area.

Mr Cooney continued: “We come here because it is one of the most beautiful parts of the world and also the people around Balloch, Dumbarton and the Vale are so friendly and welcoming in supporting the event, coming out and seeing the people taking part. 

“We really couldn’t think of going anywhere to close the event.”

The event will also raise money for the STV Children’s Appeal, and Scottish entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter is promising to “turbocharge” the event, with his Tom Hunter Foundation promising to add 10 per cent for every £100 raised by walkers for their chosen charities.

As always, there are a number of local stories attached to this year’s event, including an eleven-strong team of staff from Cardross Primary, raising money for charitable causes ranging from CHAS, Helensburgh and Lomond Autism and Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Meanwhile, a group of staff and parents from Riverside Nursery and ELCC in Alexandria are walking to raise funds for the nursery, joined by some of the kids, who will be hosting a teddy bear’s picnic after completing their own walk.