A NEW walking app and website to explore the paths of Dumbarton and the Vale has launched to help battle lockdown fatigue.

Health and wellbeing charity the Leamy Foundation based in Alexandria launched the app and website earlier this month.

Walkabout WD app gives a list of ideas for scenic walking routes and historic sites that can only last 20 minutes throughout West Dunbartonshire for residents.

Mylene Colquhoun, co-ordinator with The Leamy Foundation, told the Reporter: “We were quite aware of the affects of being cooped up indoors which made people nervous or anxious from lockdown. In order to get them out of the house we knew we wanted to design a walking app.

“We researched into some walks in the local area which can last anywhere from 20 minutes to even half a day.

“Sometimes a 20 minute walk for one person is quite a long walk.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in Dumbarton, Alexandria or Clydebank, we have walks for you.”

In the pipeline since April, the app and supporting web and social media sites introduce residents to a range of scenic walks to suit all levels, including longer “big adventure” challenges and sites of scientific interest.

The team behind the latest technology also hope to offer guided walks after training through the government-backed Paths for All scheme.

Mylene added: “Not only does it encourage you to get out there and walk, but it also gives you the history and background of the areas you are walking in so people can learn stuff along the way.

“It is to encourage people to get out of the house, socialise a little bit and then get more comfortable being outdoors again after the tough time we have had.

“We hope to eventually link in with the National Park and other groups to help remind people of the beautiful walks on our doorsteps.”

The website also gives users the option to suggest a new walk or to review a walk they went on to help monitor any new potential dangers or littering problems.

To download the Walkabout WD app, visit wdwalkabout.beezer.com, check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/walkaboutwd or visit the initiative’s website at wdwalkabout.com.