What’s happening locally

Activities offered through the Travel Actively programme

The Travel Actively programme offers a special menu of activities designed to make people feel good and stay healthy. The activities aren’t just about getting exercise, but also about making friends, building skills and learning exciting new things.

In addition to sessions aimed at developing people’s confidence, the Travel Actively programme also looks to develop the skills of volunteers in the community. This will ensure the benefits of the programme continue beyond the end of the pilot in October 2026.

The activities detailed below are currently offered in the pilot areas of Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle only. For details of events and activities happening elsewhere in Cumbria, see a helping hand.

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A young girl on a bike outdoors with an adult alongside

Cycle confidence sessions

Free inclusive sessions to develop skills and confidence on your bike. Beginning on a safe off-road cycle track and developing to confident road riding. Open to all ages and abilities. Bikes and helmets provided if needed. 

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A group of young children cycling on a road

Guided cycle rides

Group cycle rides led by our trained volunteers or staff. These rides are open to all and each route will give a description to see if it meets your needs. This will be a great chance to try out your new cycling skills in a friendly group. 

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Three men fixing bikes

Bike maintenance training

We offer two types of free bike maintenance training. Our one-day course is suitable for those wanting to learn how to undertake everyday repairs, like a puncture. The two-day course is suitable for volunteers wanting to work as bike mechanics and provides more advanced bike repair skills. 

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A man stood outdoors fixing a bike

Bike repair workshops

Get your bike fixed for free! Weekly workshops are held in Barrow Park Pavilion and Rebike Community Cycle Hub in Carlisle. These are bike workshops where you can bring your bikes down to get free repairs done while you wait. 

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A group of mixed adults walking across a pedestrian crossing

Guided walks

Why not take part in a led Wellbeing walk? These are short, free and easy walks designed to be accessible for all. They are held across Cumbria. For more information visit Wellbeing Walks.

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A group of young adults outdoors on adapted bikes

Travel Actively Fund

The Travel Actively Fund (TAF) is providing funding for organisations that work with, or plan to work with, people from targeted audiences to encourage and enable more everyday journeys to be undertaken by walking, wheeling or cycling in the Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness areas.   

Be part of it

If you are an organisation that has an activity or idea that will encourage and help people to be more active by walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys in Carlisle and Barrow, you may be eligible to apply to the Travel Actively Fund (TAF) for support. The Travel Actively Fund is already helping to deliver community-led active travel projects in these areas. More information on the eligibility criteria and process for applying can be found on the Active Cumbria website.

 

Travel Actively programme events

Our Travel Actively teams in Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle host events and activities throughout the year to encourage and support our targeted audiences to build confidence, gain skills and begin to travel actively.  

How to book

For some activities and events, booking is essential and attendance should be registered through the Eventbrite links provided or use the contact us form.  Where booking is not required, please join us five minutes prior to the start of the event or drop-in at any point during the session times.  

If you would like more information on any of the listings below, please use the contact us form.


Carlisle

Move It wellbeing event

Wednesday 9th April 2025, 10am to 4pm (drop-in) at Harraby Community Campus, Carlisle. 

A fun, interactive and informative drop-in event with opportunities for people to try activities that improve physical and mental wellbeing for free. 

  • Stage1 Cycles will be running free bike confidence sessions, for children and adults, and led rides.
  • The Better Breathers Walking Group will be leading a guided walk.
  • I-Can are hosting their ever popular Bellicon Bounce (mini-trampolines) activity.
  • Rebike will be providing free bike repairs.
  • Seated exercises like chair yoga or gentle exercises suitable for all. 

Also attending are: Carlisle and Eden Mind, Active Cumbria, Age UK North Cumbria, Andys Man Club, The Border City Rollers Derby Team, The Sands Centre, Cumbria Deaf Association and Lifestyle Fitness. 

Further details can be found on Travel Actively Carlisle Facebook - Events.

 

Cycling confidence sessions

Various dates throughout April at Harraby 3G, Sports Hall and Cycle Track, Carlisle.

A variety of free sessions designed to develop your cycling skills from learn-to-ride, to improve your skills, to getting safe on the roads. These sessions are a great opportunity for people to increase their cycling skills and confidence in a safe environment. You are welcome to bring your own bike and helmet, if you have them, or request that a bike and helmet be provided. We welcome both individuals and groups of people. Booking is essential so please use the Eventbrite links to confirm your place.  

Rookie Rollers Bike Confidence Sessions 

A beginner bike session for children, adults and families to learn to ride or refresh their beginner skills and build confidence.

Roll Ready Bike Confidence Sessions

An intermediate bike session for children, adults and families to develop their bike skills and to practice their cycling ready for roads.

Road Rollers Confidence Sessions

A bike session on the roads for children, adults and families to develop their bike skills and to practice their cycling.

Check Fix and Go @ Rebike

Every Monday 10am to 1pm at Rebike, Carlisle

Drop-in to Rebike at Unit 12, Old Mitchell Dryers Works, Denton Street, Carlisle, CA2 5AA for your bike to be fixed for free.

 

Wellbeing walks

Various locations and dates throughout April and May.

Full details of these short, easy walks will be posted on our Facebook page.  Just choose which walk you want to attend and follow the instructions to attend these free walks. Upcoming walks are listed below but more are added regularly.

  • Wednesday 2nd April 2025, 2pm to 3pm. Muffin Stroll, starting at Muffin Break Cafe, The Lanes Shopping Centre. Join the Travel Actively team to celebrate the launch of our new website with a gentle walk from the city centre into Bitts Park and then back for some muffins and refreshments.  Book on Eventbrite.
  • Thursday 3rd April 2025, 10:30am to 11:30am. Carlisle Park Stroll, starting at Morton Manor Community Centre. Join us for a walk in Chance’s Park on a lovely lapped route.  Book on Eventbrite.  
  • Tuesday 15th April 2025, 10:30am to 11:30am. Petteril Potter, starting on Restore shop cafe, Petteril Bank Road. Come for a stroll around the Petteril Bank area with this free walk.  Book on Eventbrite.
  • Thursday 15th May 2025, 11am to 12pm. Carlisle Park Stroll, starting at Morton Manor Community Centre. Join us for a walk in Chance’s Park on a lovely lapped route. Book on Eventbrite.
  • Thursday 22nd May 2025, 10:30am to 11:30am. Bobbin Stroll, starting at the Bobbin Coffee Shop, Shaddongate. Join us for a walk from the Bobbin Café to Carlisle Castle and Bitts Park. Book on Eventbrite.

 

Cycle Group Leader Course

Wednesday 22nd April 2025, 10am to 3pm at Harraby Community Campus, Carlisle.

This free training course delivered Stage 1 Cycles on behalf of Cycling UK is ideal for people and organisations who want to lead bike rides for groups in their local community. Booking is essential so please use the Eventbrite links find out more and to confirm your place.

Book on Eventbrite

 

Walk Leader Course

Thursday 1st May, 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Civic Centre, Carlisle.

This free training is ideal for people and organisations who want to lead wellbeing walks in their local community. This certified training from Ramblers provides insurance for the walk leaders as well as the skills and qualifications needed. Booking is essential so please use the Eventbrite links find out more and to confirm your place.

Book on Eventbrite.


Barrow-in-Furness

Weekly basic bike repair workshops

Every Friday 10am to 2pm at Barrow Park Pavillion.

Barrow on Bikes vounteers will be carrying out free basic bike repairs and checks. Drop-in with your bike between 10am and 2pm.

 

Wellbeing walks

Various locations and dates throughout April and May.

Full details of these short, easy walks will be posted on our Facebook page.  Just choose which walk you want to attend and follow the instructions to attend these free walks. Upcoming walks are listed below but more are added regularly.

  • Wednesday 2nd April 2025, 12pm to 12:30am. Barrow Town Centre, starting at Barrow Town Hall. Join the Travel Actively team to celebrate the launch of our new website with a gentle walk around the town centre.  Book on Eventbrite.  

 

Barrow Walking Festival

Monday 28th July to Sunday 3rd August, Barrow .

Further details of this event will be provided shortly. Use the contact us form if you have any enquiries.

 

Barrow Parkrun/walk

Every Saturday 8.45am to 10am approx at Barrow Park, Barrow.

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Siona from our Travel Actively team will be there to provide support (registration with Barrow Parkrun prior to starting is essential).

Cycling confidence sessions

Various dates in May, July and August at Park Vale Sports Stadium, Mill Lane, Walney.

A variety of free sessions designed to develop your cycling skills from learn-to-ride, to improve your skills, to getting safe on the roads. These sessions are a great opportunity for people to increase their cycling skills and confidence in a safe environment. You are welcome to bring your own bike and helmet, if you have them, or request that a bike and helmet be provided. We welcome both individuals and groups of people. Booking details will be provided shortly.  

  • Tuesday 27th May
  • Thursday 31st July
  • Saturday 9th August
  • Thursday 14th August
  • Thursday 28th August

 

Seagrass restoration guided cycle ride

Wednesday 9th April, 1pm to 4pm, starting at Morrisons, Barrow.

Join us for a fun bike tour to learn about seagrass restoration efforts in our community. This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the beauty of our coastal habitats. If you would like to borrow a bike or e-bike please contact jessicam@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk in advance. Helmets are required. Booking is essential so please use the Eventbrite links find out more and to confirm your place.

Book on Eventbrite.

 

Keep up to date

Subscribe to our Travel Actively programme e-newsletter and get updates straight to your inbox. Alternatively you can follow us on Facebook.

Travel Actively Barrow Facebook

Travel Actively Carlisle Facebook