The Cycle Path

Duncan Mackay

Born in South Yorkshire near Conisborough (now home to the Earth Centre) in 1954 but with a Scottish link with the early twentieth century Mackays of Reay House, Nairn (hence the name). Professionally engaged in countryside issues and responsible for achieving the designation of the Thames Path National Trail, the Round Berkshire Cycle Route (sponsored by BMW) and many other regional routes. I am now SE. Regional Director of the Countryside Agency.

Publications include: the coffee table/aerial photography book ‘The Secret Thames’, Ebury 1992; a local agenda 21 inspired book ‘Apples, Berkshire, Cider’, Two Rivers Press 1996; ‘Eat Wild’ (in preparation); ‘Scottish Food’ (in preparation); ‘East Anglian Food ‘ (in preparation); ‘Cumbrian Food’ (in preparation) as well as contributing to many journals on a variety of subjects. Published (and cartooned!) letter writer to the Times, Guardian and Daily Telegraph.

Winner of the Henry Ford European Conservation Award for Heritage 1995/96.

Commodore of the Henley Sailing Club and owner of 1937 vintage National 12 dinghy N302 Dawdler

Many and regular professional appearances on national and regional TV and radio including ‘Newsnight’ and Radio 4’s ‘Today’ with Timpson and Redhead. Weekly appearances in regional print media.

I ride a trusty 3 speed Brompton folding bicycle to work across central London from Paddington Station to Westminster and throughout SE England using bike and train combinations.

To cope with Scottish mountains and English towpaths I will be riding the top of the range Reise und Muller Birdy Grey machine. This impressive folding bicycle has a 14 speed Rohlhoff hub gear system but can still be folded in 30 seconds… Combined with Ortlieb waterproof frontrider panniers it makes the perfect touring platform.