Renfrewshire Council

cycle links is a local project that aims to increase cycling on National Cycle Network (NCN) Routes 7 and 75 and the Paisley - Barrhead Cycle Route.

NCN7 is a 601-mile route which links with Ayr, Partick, Clydebank, Dumbarton, and Balloch, and forms part of the Norway - Portugal EuroVelo 1 route.

NCN 75 continues on to destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock and Gourock. The towns of Paisley and Johnstone and the villages of Elderslie, Linwood, Brookfield, Crosslee, Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch can all be reached easily by the NCN 7 and the NCN75. There are maps at key destinations and on the routes to help you find your way.

Traffic-free, stress-free, cost-free

As part of the cycle links project, we have improved the road signs linking Renfrewshire's towns and villages to the National Cycle Network. You can reach many destinations within 30 minutes, even cycling at a leisurely pace of 10 miles per hour. For example,:

· Elderslie to Crosslee (3.5 miles) - 21 mins

· Johnstone to Lochwinnoch (6.1 miles) - 32 mins

· Paisley to Barrhead (5 miles) - 30 minutes

· Brookfield to Johnstone (2.7 miles by NCN route 75) -  17 mins

· Johnstone to Paisley (4.7 miles) - 28 mins

· Linwood to Lochwinnoch (7.5 miles) - 45 mins 

Destinations and attractions

Here are some attractions and  destinations in the local area that you can reach easily by bike:

· RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

· Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

· Paisley Museum and Art Galleries

· Sma' Shot Cottages, Paisley

· Gleniffer Braes Country Park

· The William Wallace monument, Elderslie

Bike and bus, or bike and rail

Public transport is often the best option for a journey, but sometimes it's convenient to cycle or walk to the bus stop or train station. ScotRail trains have space for bikes, and in 2016 cycle parking for up to 50 bicycles will be installed at Paisley's Gilmour Street Station and cycle parking will be improved at the other Renfrewshire stations. It is also planned to review parking at Johnstone Station. The NCN network will take you right to the platform of Paisley Canal Station.

For bus and rail information or to help you plan your journey, you can contact Strathclyde Passenger Transport on http://www.spt.co.uk/ or Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, or on www.travelinescotland.com .

For information on train travel contact National Rail on 08457 48 49 50, or on www.nationalrail.co.uk. Text your train station to 84950 for a list of the next few train departures.

The Twitter feed @ScotRail also provides information and answers queries on rail travel.

Local shops and clubs

There are several local bike shops that can provide cycling equipment and advice:

· The Bicycle Chain, 3 Collier St, Johnstone - 01505 335551

· Dooleys Cycles, 40 Moss St, Paisley, PA1 1BA - 0141 889 609

· Evans Cycles Braehead, 5 King's Inch Rd, PA4 8XQ - 0141 886 4236

· Halfords, Hamilton St, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 4BA - 0141 887 8889

· Q Bikes, 95 Neilston Road, Paisley, PA2 6ES - 0141 404 7787