We are ecstatic to announce the return of Cycle Arts Renfrewshire Festival for 2025! Our multi-day festival will run from September 12th-14th, celebrating the stretch of National Cycle Route 7 from Paisley all the way to Lochwinnoch with unique focal points across its many interlinked communities. We aim to draw meaningful attention and thoughtful reflection towards cycling, nature, wellness and sustainability through a diverse programme of activities, music, performance, and public art. National Cycle Route 7 provides a perfect backdrop to highlight alternative transport through the scenic Scottish landscape and deeply engage with its vibrant ecologies. Activities and events are designed for audiences of all ages and will promote accessibility with assisted rides and trail tours. Have a gander at our exciting day by day outline below!

Friday September 12th – Kick off!
Opening celebration in Paisley County Square featuring guest speakers, free cycle tune-ups, a boisterous cèilidh.

Paisley County Square
3-5 PM – FREE cycle tune-ups presented by Dr. Bike + Bike for Good (first come first served)

3-5 PM – FREE ceilidh band and dancing with Ceithir

3-5 PM – Cycle Arts Renfrewshire and 2025 Festival info stall

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Saturday September 13th – Cycle Parade with Community Hub Pitstops
Groups of riders experience the full length of Cycle Route 7, taking off from the Paisley starting line and traveling to the finish line in Lochwinnoch at Castle Semple for a colorful celebratory performance. Community hubs along the way in Elderslie, Johnstone + Linwood, and Kilbarchan feature localized walking tours, workshops, and musicians whilst cheering on passing cycle teams.

Weavers bar, 1 Stow Brae
11-1 PM – Open starting line for self-guided rides along National Cycle Route 7 from Paisley to Lochwinnoch

1-3 PM (departing Weavers) – Natural Dye Foraging Walk led by India Boxall of Johnstone Textile Space. Reserve your space here!

Elderslie, Canal Gardens
11:30-1:30 PM – Cycle-powered Yarn Spinning by Odet Beauvoisin of Johnstone Textile Space. Register here!

Johnstone/Linwood, Black Cart Water Overpass
12 -2 PM – Gaelic Musician Hayley Keenan from Fèis Phàislig

Kilbarchan, Old Railway Station
Permanent installation announcement banner for commissioned artist Clara Elliot

Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple
10 AM or 1 PM (departing Visitor Centre) – Electric-assisted tandem cycle rides. Please pre-book your bike for the morning or afternoon session and bring your own friend, guardian, or carer to help you ride along!

11 AM (departing Visitor Centre) – Culinary Foraging walking tour by Sam Worrall of Coeur Sauvage. Sign up here!

2 PM – Finish Line Welcome Ceremony by The Absurdist Pipers back at Castle Semple Visitor Centre

All Day (11-5 PM) – Outdoor exhibition featuring Reed Hexamer at The Grotto, Sophia Archontis & Fraser Boland at The Ice Caves, and Celie Byrne & Indie McCue with SCOPE Artist Network neighboring the Collegiate Church

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Sunday September 14th – Exploring Castle Semple Grounds
Leisurely Sunday in Lochwinnoch wandering around the loch and Castle Semple woodland trails. Small group activities such as mountain biking to the mines, photographing nature, and creative workshops guide viewers through meandering paths to stumble upon scenic viewpoints, historic building sites, public artworks, musicians and poets.

Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple
10 AM (departing Visitor Centre) – Advanced cycle to The Muirshiel Barytes Mine. Please pre-book your morning ride and bring a mountain bike suitable for rough terrain.

10 AM or 1 PM (departing Visitor Centre) – Electric-assisted tandem cycle rides. Please pre-book your bike for the morning or afternoon session and bring your own friend, guardian, or carer to help you ride along!

11-1 PM – Castle Semple Visitor Center Outdoor Embroidery Workshop by Ellie Mills of Johnstone Textile Space. Reserve your space here!

12-2 PM – BYO Picnic or visit the Visitor Centre Café and enjoy lunch on the lawn with music by Gaelic group Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail

All Day (11-5 PM) – Outdoor exhibition featuring Reed Hexamer at The Grotto, Sophia Archontis & Fraser Boland at The Ice Caves, and Celie Byrne & Indie McCue with SCOPE Artist Network neighboring the Collegiate Church

1:30 PM (departing Visitor Centre) – Nature Photography Walk and Treasure Hunt by Becky Duncan of Open Aye. Reserve your space here!

2 PM – Castle Semple Visitor Centre Outdoor Perfrormance Harvest Stories with Scottish Apple Tasting presented by Eco Drama. Reserve your space here!

3:30 PM – Encore by Eco Drama. Reserve your space here!

5-6:30 PM – Johnshill Scenic Viewpoint Poetry Reading Series curated by Meredith MacLeod

We hope to make our activities engaging for all ages and as accessible as possible, including assisted cycling and trail tours. We encourage anyone with assistance needs to reach out to festival@cycleartsrenfrewshire.co.uk so that we can dedicate support for your inclusion!