PUPILS and parents from Barrhead High School kicked off a fitness initiative at the weekend with a trip to Conic Hill, beside Loch Lomond. 

Organised by the school’s Parent Council, the 30-mile journey to Conic Hill brought nearly 50 parents, pupils and teachers together for a day in the great outdoors. 

The peak, which is 1184ft high and gives fantastic views of the loch, marked the beginning of a challenge that asks participants to walk about 227 miles over the summer, the equivalent of travelling from Barrhead to Manchester. 

The event comes as East Renfrewshire Council this week launched the #YOYP2018 summer step challenge, asking young people aged 12-18 to take 10,000 steps a day, mounting up to a 480,000 steps each over the summer break. 

The walking drive, which is part of the Year Of Young People 2018, comes at the halfway point of the initiative, which has seen a number of educational opportunities and activities for young people in the area. 

Councillor Colm Merrick, convener for Community Services and Community Safety, said: “We’ve had so much fun over the last six months supporting the Year Of Young People.

The summer step challenge will be incredibly rewarding as young people commit to moving every day and maybe even get a little competitive with each other.

“While it is aimed at young people, it is a great way for the family to get out and about and enjoy walking together every day over the summer break.”

The council is encouraging participants to share images and videos of their walks and progress over the summer holidays.

Steps can be recorded on any device available, with free pedometers available to those committing to the challenge by calling 0141 577 3658.

A trip to tackle Ben Lomond on Thursday, July 26 is being arranged to help keep the motivation going. To register, send an email to: ypsenquiries@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk