Inverclyde Ramblers are on the march again after months of lockdown limbo

Group members are delighted to be back together - socially distanced of course - united by their passion for the great outdoors.

The Telegraph caught up with them at Parklea after a midweek coastal walk.

John McIndoe, chair of Inverclyde Ramblers, said: "We are part of the National Ramblers Association GB which has 120,000 members and are affiliated to Sportscotland.

"It is recognised as a form of sport which still allows us to walk as a group and exempt from the rule of six."

John, of Gourock, says members are allowed to walk in groups of 30 but they are taking it steady for now.

He said: "We have had a very cautious re-start.

"We are only going out in groups of 10 just now.

"At the moment we are only walking during the week when places are quiet and we are not likely to meet other people.

"We adhere to social distancing and take hand sanitiser with us."

If all goes well the group hope to reinstate their weekend walks in October.

The group was formed back in 2002 and currently has 80 members,

John,who has been involved with outdoor education with the Inverclyde Duke of Edinburgh Award group for over 30 years, says his favourite treks include local landmarks like Corlic Hill, Dunrod Hill, Loch Thom and Leapmoor Forest.

He said: "There are all the health advantages and the appreciation of the beauty of Inverclyde.

"We are keen to to develop partnerships to help develop the physical and mental health benefits from walking with such groups as The Bothy.

"We are also all very much into the environment and are involved in beach clean -ups at Lunderston Bay and Ardgowan Estate in co-operation with Inverclyde Council, Clyde Murshiel Regional Park and Ardgowan Estate.

"We support footpath construction, maintenance and access with Inverclyde Local Access and our friends at Parklea Branching Out Group too."

Anyone interested in joining the group on a walk must pre-book and give their details as part of the track and trace requirements.

For more information visit https:// inverclyderamblers.org.uk/