Apprentice star Nick unveils tourist trail

Nine different businesses have launched the Ballyclare Activity Trial which aims to boost local tourism.

Wedding, activities and outdoor pursuits venue Breckenhill has teamed up with Tildarg Fisheries, Need 4 Speed karting, Dunamoy Cottages, Ballyclare Golf Course, the Five Corners, the Soccer Shed, Ballyrobert Cottages and Laurelview Farm to demonstrate the versatility of Ballyclare and the surrounding areas in terms of what it can offer tourists.

The concept was developed in partnership with Apprentice star Nick Hewer, who is documenting the progress of the new activity trail as part of his BBC programme The Farm Fixer.

He told the Times: “In hard economic times small farms who really can’t survive and prosper with small acreages look to different ways to generate profits so that the family can survive on that farm.

“Frankly in good times and bad that’s true and I think what the nine businesses have done here is fantastic.”

Launching the trail David Reade from Breckenhill said: “We have got together with the other businesses to show people what is available in the area.

“On the website you can see all what is on offer and what we are doing and we are looking to build on that.”

Henrietta Reade added: “We have got together with the other activity providers in the area, such as accommodation, food, go-karting and fishing to show to people what all they can do when they come to Ballyclare.

“The point is to show people the variety of what kind of activities we have here in Ballyclare, so you don’t have to go to far.

“Working with the Farm Fixer Nick Hewer has been a rollercoaster but very worthwhile and enjoyable.

“We only have a small farm here, at only 18 acres, so it’s about getting the best out of the land we have and offering lots of activities.”

For more on the activity trail go to www.ballyclareactivitytrail.com.