Ballymoney Borough Council Deputy Mayor Alderman Cecil Cousley was joined by project funders and Sustrans Volunteers at Drumaheglis Marina on the banks of the Lower Bann to officially launch The Lower Bann Cycleway, a new 45 mile linear cycle route from Toome to Castlerock.
The Lower Bann Cycleway project has put in place a quality signed cycle route that follows the Lower Bann River corridor from Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK, through the rolling countryside of counties Antrim and Londonderry to the North Coast where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean at the Barmouth near Castlerock. A series of interpretation panels have been installed along the route and a free Lower Bann Cycleway route map has been produced.
Ciaran Mullan, Sustrans’ Lower Bann Project Manager said: “The nature of the landscape along the Lower Bann corridor means the route is relatively flat. This combined with the varied scenery of the Lower Bann area make it an ideal location for leisure and touring cyclists to explore the countryside. Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly leisure pursuit and the completion of the Lower Bann Cycleway project and the publication of the free leaflet and map gives tourists and locals alike the opportunity to take to two wheels and enjoy this attractive and high quality waymarked route.”
Mark Christie, Lower Bann Partnership Manager added, “The Lower Bann Partnership has assisted over 40 projects in the area and many of these are aimed at marketing the Lower Bann Valley as a quality outdoor tourism destination. The cycle trail certainly adds to what the area has to offer and many other examples of activities available along with places to stay can be found at www.riverbannireland.com”
For further details on the cycle route please visit our cycling page in this website.
Stretching from Lough Neagh to the Atlantic Ocean, the 58km Lower Bann Canoe Trial provides a unique way to experience the beautiful River Bann. Passing through constantly changing scenery the trail offers tranquil waters and some faster flowing sections to cater for all levels of canoeist. For further information please visit www.canoeni.com/Lower_Bann.aspx.
The new guides were launched at the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Show, Birmingham in March 2008. The 24 page activity guide features a range of activities, attractions and accommodation all of which are available within the River Bann Valley. The Angling Guide features coarse and game locations along the river with an outline on each. The Lower River Bann website was also launched for the show and showcases a range of attraction, activities, events and much more.
The popular fully enclosed 60 seater Waterbus, "The Lady Sandel" is back in action for the 2008 river cruise season. The Lady Sandel operates from Christie Park, Coleraine and offers a range of public cruises and will also operate an exciting range of special cruises. The popular Evening Music Cruises will feature a range of live music including easy listening, rock, swing and much more. Other special cruises include bird watching cruises, teddy bears' picnic, pirate cruises and the extended river cruise.
The Lower Bann Partnership is calling individuals who have memories of working in the industries associated with the Lower Bann. The information gathered will aid the development of a heritage guide/trail including interpretation, the development of a website on the trail, printing of publications and the development of an educational programme. If you have any stories contact Mark Christie, Lower Bann Partnership on (028) 7938 6627 or mark@bannpartnership.com.
Fishing at the Cranagh