Taking to saddle to celebrate food

Taking to saddle to celebrate food

1 May 2013

DELICIOUS food is at the heart of a very different new cycling trail around the Mournes which was launched yesterday.

It’s gentle cycling only on this unique route, which combines stunning scenery with the chance to stop off at local food producers and sample the best of their produce.

The Mournes Cycling Food Trail has been created by the Enniskeen Country House Hotel in association with local food producers to showcase artisan food in the area and motivate visitors to the Mourne Mountains to stay longer.

The self-guided tour by bicycle involves gentle cycling either downhill or on flat ground, with electric bikes also available for the unconvinced.

Among those offering tasty treats en route are the Abernethy Butter Company, Murlough Farm free range eggs, Mourne Honey, Dundrum Bay Mussel and Oyster fishery, Patterson’s Mourne Lamb Farm, Grahams Ice Cream and the Cookie Jar Bakery.

The cost to take part in the trail is £28 per person, which includes hire of a quality bike with a small pannier compartment for carrying food, a trail pack, and a complimentary shuttle bus service.

Eileen Jeans, manager at the Enniskeen Country House Hotel, said: “The team here have often talked about how great our local food produce and landscapes are here in the Mournes and we’re delighted to be able to bring these assets together showcasing them for visitors.

“Our key was to collaborate with local food producers and eateries to create an inspirational day itinerary that will help attract tourists into the Mourne area — and so the ‘Mourne Foods Cycle Trail’ was born.”

Ellie Harvey, from Newcastle Bike, Hire added: “The Mourne Foods Cycle trail is a great way to experience our stunning Mourne landscapes and travelling by bicycle allows people to take in a lot more than they do when they travel by car.

Julie McLaughlin, from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said their research strongly supported the idea of creating unique visitor experiences, which not only motivated visitors to come to a destination but made them more likely to return again.

“We’re delighted to see this innovative tourism initiative being developed through the efforts of a passionate group of small private sector businesses who recognise the important role quality, authentic visitor experiences play in developing Northern Ireland’s tourism offer,” she said.

The Mourne Foods Cycle Trail will be open daily from mid May 2013 and advance booking is essential. For further information or to book call 4372 3933.