Cyclists and walkers are celebrating the completion of a new path at Loch Thom

The new link trail has been created by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and connects the Overton Track to the track from Killochend and the Old Largs Road.

It means walkers or cyclists can loop around the loch with stunning views.

Andy Steel, who is the park chair, said: "It is my pleasure and honour to officially open this new path.

"This ‘missing link’ connects two core paths and will certainly improve the access and creates a circular route around Loch Thom from the Park’s Greenock Cut Visitor Centre.

"We have seen a steady increase in the numbers of people using the park for walking and cycling.

"The success of the recent Clyde Muirshiel Walking Festival and the Inverclyde Bothy Project are good examples of this.

"I’m delighted we can add to the offering that will be used by a lot of people and brings so many health benefits as well."

Local interest groups such as Discover Inverclyde, Your Voice Inverclyde, Trust Inverclyde, Scottish Water, Inverclyde Council Active Schools and Renfrewshire Access Panel, Ride 63 Community Cycling Club and local Ramblers groups were in attendance for the launch.

Andy added: "I’m aware this is already a popular route for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and this new path will make it more accessible, especially for some of the special needs groups that use the park's adaptive cycling equipment.

"We are grateful for the support from Inverclyde Council and Scottish Water in the completion of this project."

The 8.8km circular route can be started at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre.