Jump for joy! We’re 100% free for 30 days

Combining exercise with business networking and accountability for work and home tasks can be a difficult concept to get your head around without experiencing it.

That’s why we offer a 30 calendar day FREE trial which gives access to absolutely everything Club Synergy has to offer.

Nothing is held back, and you won’t suddenly unlock new features as soon as you start paying. This is no freemium business model… It’s a genuine offer to ‘access all areas’ so that you can really see if it will work for you, your way of working, your business and your lifestyle.

So how does the free trial period work?

After clicking the Activate Free Trial button you will be asked to complete a direct debit mandate. 

This acts as the trigger for your 30 day FREE trial. 

Your direct debit will be activated on Day 31 with your first month subscription invoice received.

No payment will be taken from your account for a further 14 days. Giving you plenty of time to change your mind (I don’t think you’ll want to but it’s reassuring to know!)

Once I have received notification via GoCardless that your mandate form has been completed, you will receive an email with all you need to access EVERYTHING Club Synergy has to offer for a full 30 calendar days and an invitation to have a personalised road map created for you guiding you towards the best synergy sessions to help you fulfil your business and fitness goals. 

The email will also give you your personal code to access The Hive membership site where you will be able to:

• Join live sessions

• Book future synergy sessions

• Join whatsapp special interest groups 

• Access online workouts created specially to fit in with synergy session timings

After that it’s up to you to maximise your free trial and sample as many sessions as fit with your lifestyle and time availability.

I will be in touch with you around Day 23/24 to find out whether Club Synergy is the right fit for you.  If it isn’t, simply run, walk, jog, cycle away with my very best wishes and thanks for giving us a try.

Keen to find out more?

I’d LOVE to chat to you while we walk. Click the button below and let me answer ALL your questions on a Fresh Air Phonecall. You might decide it’s not for you, but at the very least you’ll have had some time away from the desk! And, well that’s what we’re all about!

Ben A’an

Small, but mighty!

AdVANture Overview

This up and down route is approximately 4.5 miles in total, so allow a good 2 to 2.5 hours for the walk.

Ben A’an may not be big compared to other hills in the Trossachs, including the neighbouring Ben Venue and Ben Ledi, but at just under 1500 ft this ‘mountain in miniature’ packs a punch in the views department.

From the rocky top you have stunning 360 degree views over Loch Achray and Loch Katrine.

The starting point for this micro adventure is the Forestry Commission run car park on the banks on Loch Achray, £5 secures your spot for the day. On weekends and holidays, best arrive very early if you want to grab a space, while the car park has recently been extended this is a very popular hill for first timers.

The dog-friendly, Brig O’Turk Tearoom is a couple of miles along the road towards Callander. Family-run and Vegetarian it’s a top choice for all in your party.

Jumping for joy at reaching the top!

Starting From

Park in the Ben A’an Forestry Commission car park. If this is full, you may find a space in the nearby Ben Venue car park

On leaving the car park, cross the road. You will see light stone steps forming the start of the path.

Getting There

As mentioned, there is paid parking, both in the car park beside Loch Achray and in the Ben Venue car park.

No car, jump on the Trossachs Explorer Bus (runs July to September) from Aberfoyle or Callander. Both Aberfoyle and Callander are served by bus from Glasgow/Stirling

VANtage points

This is a steep wee hill and you won’t be moving for long before you can turn around and enjoy a cracking view of Loch Achray.

From the top, look out for The Sir Walter Scott Steamship paddling its way across this Loch, known as the inspiration for the famous 19th century poem, The Lady of the Lake.

The all important coffee stop…

There are a few eateries of note in the area, but you will need transport to access most of them

Choose from:

• The Byre Inn (dog friendly)

• The Steamship Cafe at Loch Katrine

• The Brig O’ Turk Tearoom (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options and dog friendly)

Final Thoughts

While not the easiest hill to explore without a car, the new Trossachs Explorer bus opens up this beautiful area to many more walkers.

Bar Hill

Site of Roman Fort, Twechar, North Lanarkshire

AdVANture Overview

This 4 mile-ish circular route is suitable for walkers and hill runners. The kissing gates and steep, grassy part makes it more difficult for bikes, although there is an alternative gravel route which adds on a couple of miles. The route is a mix of trail, gravel road, grassy paths, with a final stretch on tarmac along the Forth & Clyde Canal. It also forms part of the John Muir Way which traverses the central belt of Scotland from Helensburgh, in the West to Dunbar, in the East. The birthplace of John Muir, the man known as ‘the father of national parks’ in the States and recognised for the saving of Yosemite.

At the mid-point and steepest elevation point, is Castle Hill, before the path descends slightly to Bar Hill. Both hills are of historical significance as protection points for the Antonine Wall.

The starting point for this micro adventure is the Auchinstarry Marina, here there is ample free parking and a choice of two coffee spots. The dog-friendly, Boat House has indoor and outdoor seating if you’re looking for more than coffee and cake or sample a takeaway coffee from the quaint blue wooden Port Gallery. (There is outdoor seating here too)

At a comfortable walking pace, the route can be done in a 2.5 hours, but factor in time to take in the view and recover from the significant climb up to Castle Hill!

Start of the route at the edge of the car park

Starting From

Pick up the path at the far end of the car park on the right hand side as you come down towards the Marina.

Here is the What3Words for The Boathouse (if you type Auchinstarrry Marina into Maps, it takes you to a random place on the other side of the a canal bridge.)

Getting There

As mentioned, there is free parking, both in the car park beside The Boat House and at the other side of the entrance road to the right.

It’s possible, to get do this route with public transport. The nearest train station is Croy, from which you will have a 1.5 mile walk to Auchinstarry Marina. Or jump on the number 35 bus from the station to Kilsyth and get off at the Auchinstarry Quarry/Roman Playground before turning left and following the pavement to the roundabout.

Step by Step

Here’s a short video to help you navigate.

VANtage points

If you’re into Roman History there is much to geek-out on during the walk. And if you’re taking little ones along, they will LOVE the Roman themed play park at nearby Auchinstarry Quarry. You can also learn to climb here too with Aspect Mountaineering among others.

The all important coffee stop…

You are spoiled for choice at Auchinstarry Marina!

Choose from The Boat House bar and restaurant if you’re looking for more than a sweet treat. It’s dog friendly, has indoor and outdoor seating areas and an extensive and tasty menu. It is however part of a chain so personally I tend to give my business to the independent Port Gallery which serves Henry’s Coffee AND always had interesting artwork and curios to check out. It has ample outdoor seating and dogs are welcome into the gallery while waiting for your coffee. There’s always a dog biscuit on hand too! The down side is the a very restricted menu of ‘eats’ - crisps, cakes and to-die for tablet (maybe not so much of a downside after all!)

Final Thoughts

Maybe have coffee and the awesome tablet from the Port Gallery first , then work it off with a great hike with fab views, before returning for lunch and another coffee at The Boat House!