Step out and join the Council's summer walks programme

WITH summer almost here, Coleraine Borough Council is encouraging residents to don their walking boots and explore their local area through the annual guided walks programme.

The programme, co-ordinated by Council’s Countryside Development Officer, offers eight expertly guided walks in stunning locations throughout the borough and an additional guided bus tour.

The guided walks provide an ideal opportunity to get active and keep fit this summer whilst enjoying the scenery and learning about the heritage and biodiversity of the local area.

Ranging from an easy two mile walk along mostly flat terrain to a more demanding walk on undulating landscape, the programme will kick off at West Bay, Portrush on Tuesday, June 8 at 7:15pm.

In the first summer walk, and as a celebration of World Oceans Day, walkers have the opportunity to accompany local guide Jim Allen whilst learning about the natural and maritime history associated with this section of the north Antrim coastline, including the influence of the sea on the historical development of the seaside town of Portrush.

This walk will end at the iconic Arcadia building, where leasee Tanya Gillen will supply light refreshments and encourage participants to reminisce about memories of the Arcadia.

The next walk in the series will take place at Woodtown Lane, Garvagh, on Tuesday, June 15. Participants can gently stroll along winding lanes and quiet country roads, enjoying the landscape on the outskirts of the town.

And, for those who prefer to enjoy life at a slower pace, local guide Wilbert Patterson will host a guided bus tour of Aghadowey and Garvagh District on Tuesday, June 29, a first for the guided events programme.

With no walking required, participants can simply enjoy a tour featuring houses and monuments of historical interest in the district, finishing off the evening with light refreshments in Garvagh’s Community Building.

The Castlerock Walkfest, organised by a committee of enthusiastic local walkers, will bring the summer to a close on Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19.

This inaugural event, located in the beautiful coastal village of Castlerock, provides a series of guided walks over two days, against the backdrop of the spectacular natural landscape of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mark Strong, Countryside Development Officer for Coleraine Borough Council is eagerly awaiting the start of this year’s walks. He said: “Residents of the Coleraine Borough are exceptionally blessed to live in an area steeped in natural beauty and heritage which provides the perfect surroundings for the Summer Walks Programme. Many people are simply unaware of the wealth of interest and good walking routes available in their local area and this programme provides the ideal opportunity to discover more. It is a chance for both walking enthusiasts and those who rarely walk to experience something different, meet new people and enjoy learning about their local area.”