Are you up for ‘Pedal to the Ports’

The event organised by Countryside and Marine Officer Mark Strong, is free of charge, and will showcase the fantastic cycling path network been Portrush and Portstwart.

“Pedal to the Ports” Leisure Cycle is part of the Northern Ireland-wide ‘Get Outdoors Weekend’ which hosts over 60 free outdoor activity events enticing an estimated 4000 participants.

On offer over the weekend is a range of adventurous activities in all corners of the country from canoeing to archery, climbing and bushcraft. Each event will be guided by an outdoor expert to show participants the ropes and offer a lot of encouragement along the way.

Participants can also choose from a host of themed guided walks throughout the country including a nature reserve walk on Rathlin Island and exploring the heritage of Cave Hill on foot.

The 6 mile leisure cycle is set to be a perfect family activity, sure to keep the kids amused for an afternoon from 3pm until 5pm. Meeting at Harbour Hill car park, Portstewart cyclists will follow a mostly traffic-free cycle path to West Bay, Portrush before returning along the same route.

For those seeking a slightly tougher challenge there is the option of meeting at Coleraine Marina Car Park at 2:30pm and cycling to Harbour Hill (approx. 4 miles) to join those cycling to Portrush. Returning to Coleraine via Portstwart (total distance approx. 15 miles). This event is free to attend however; Pre Booking is required through www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com.

Aideen Exley, Marketing Manager for Get Outdoors Weekend, commented, “Increasingly children are leading a more sedentary lifestyle, spending significant quantities of their time in front of a screen. Doing outdoor activities allows children to feel connected with their environment, play and have fun.”

She continued, “As all the events are free of charge in Get Outdoors Weekend, this is a unique opportunity in the Northern Ireland calendar for everyone to get active and embrace our parks, forests and waterways.

“Pedal to the Ports” Leisure Cycle will take place between Portstewart and Portrush from 3pm until 5pm on Sunday 21st September. This activity is free of charge but must be pre-booked in advance and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For more information and to book onto an event, go to www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com

Get Outdoors Weekend is coordinated by Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with financial partners, Big Lottery, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Sport Northern Ireland. The events are hosted by a range of organisations including local councils, clubs and parks.