Getting Started

Having gone on an annual cycle touring trip every year since moving to Scotland 5 years ago, I decided that having a baby wouldn’t stop me this year. So, the question was how to do it with the right set up which meant she would enjoy it as much as I have done in the past. My little one was coming up to one year old and was still quite small for her age so using a baby seat on the back of the bike wouldn’t work for longer distances. After lots of research my partner and I decided that a trailer would be the best way to do it- She would be protected from the wind and rain, could look around and enjoy the scenery when she was awake and be comfy and cosy whilst sleeping. We looked into buying a trailer but after realising they were a couple of 100 quid and not knowing if she would like it or not, we opted for borrowing one first to see how she would get on. Luckily the Active Travel Hub had one that I could borrow for the trip.

Getting Set Up

The Burley Cub came set up and ready to go with a fully waterproof cover over the whole trailer and lots of space in the back for carrying belongings as well as space in the front for keeping some items close at hand such as snacks and toys. To attach the trailer to the bike, we had to attach a hitch to the back wheel of our bike. This was very easy as the hitch just slots in the quick release on the back wheel. Once this is in then you can attach and un-attach the trailer very easily. The Burley Cub is designed for Children 1 years old and up and has seat straps and space for 1 or 2 children. The Trailer can be used for younger children if you feel it is safe to do so and your child has good sitting balance. As our little one was quite small, we did some research and saw that a baby seat could be safely fitted into the trailer to allow more comfort for little ones. We opted for this option giving a snug fit and lots of protection whilst cycling. Once this was all set up we were ready to go!

Cycle Trip around Mull

Once fully loaded up we were excited to set off on our adventure. We got the train from Glasgow to Oban using the new designated bike carriages to store the bikes, panniers and trailers. Please be aware that you do need to book your bike and trailer on the train but this is free of charge. The train journey was beautiful and when we arrived in Oban it was an easy cycle straight off the train and on to the Ferry next door. When we arrived on Mull we spent a week exploring beaches, mountains and islands by bike. As this was our first trip we opted for staying in one place and doing day trips by bike. We also used the bike for transport- getting us to the bottom of Mulls only Munro for a day walk with the little one and to get us to the island of Ulva which we explored by foot. Having the trailer was so much fun and allowed us to travel around the beautiful island by bike- the best way to see the island for sure!

Pros & Cons of the trailer

Cons

• If your baby is under one then you need to buy a Burley Snuggler or use a car seat in the trailer
• The front on the cub can be quite dark which means it can be hard to see your child at times without lifting up the flap.
• Expensive to buy new

Pros

• Fully Waterproof
• Easy to set up
• Lots of space for storage
• Smooth to tow
• Very stable – would be very difficult to tip over
• Very comfy for little ones

We were able to borrow one for free from the Kilmarnock Active Travel Hub – contact info@activetravelhubkilmarnock.org to loan the trailer now