North Ayrshire Council has announced the successful completion of the regions latest regeneration project, a new 5km 'leisure loop'.

Work on the new 5km walking/running/cycling path started last year and is a key component of the first phase of the programme at Lochshore.

This leisure route was made possible due to the funding support of the Cycling Walking Safer Streets (CWSS) and the Vacant Derelict Land funding provided by the Scottish Government.

Along the route there are benches which allow you to take a moment out of your day to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. For young people, there are hidden play areas, where they can get creative and make things. There are number of play installations along the 5k leisure route such as stepping logs, timber structures for kids to climb or swing on and music-making posts. There is also a hut and muddy sections to make "mud monsters".

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The new £4.2 million Lochshore Park Hub opened last year and comprises of a dog-friendly café which provides food, cold and hot drinks, essential amenities such as restrooms and baby-changing room, event-oriented function spaces, changing rooms and more.

A major tree-planting project is also underway with approximately 17,000 trees planted. Complementing this is a community tree-planting area which has seen approximately 2400 planted.

The active travel route was also completed in the first phase of development linking Lochshore Park to the NCN7 Cycle route.

Work on a new playpark adjacent to the Hub is due to start in the coming weeks.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: "We are delighted with how things are progressing at Lochshore. The completion of the 5km loop is another milestone that has been reached.

"It is great that the loop is being widely used for many activities and we hope it continues to prove popular. Now that it is established we hope more and more running clubs and other groups take advantage of it. It's a fantastic setting for a walk, run or cycle.

"A big thanks also to the volunteers at the Friends of Lochshore for their effort in cutting grass, weeding, planting trees, picking up litter and carrying out a range of tasks at the site."