Walkers take to the hills on new £300,000 paths

Walkers take to the hills on new £300,000 paths

19 November 2014

AN exciting series of new walking, family and cycle trails have been officially opened at Castlewellan Forest Park and the nearby Bunkers Hill area.

Funding for the near £300,000 project has been provided by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Down Council and the new trails were opened by Forest Service chief executive Malcolm Beatty.

Developed by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI), the new trails have been welcomed by Stormont Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill.

She said the funding package and agreements between the Forest Service and Down Council about the management of the new trails has enabled the successful development of “excellent facilities for the benefit of both the local rural community and tourists who visit the Mourne area.”

Miss O’Neill added: “Our forests are important to communities and the new trails and play facilities in Castlewellan Forest Park and Bunkers Hill demonstrate our ongoing support of the development of forest-based recreation and tourism throughout the north of Ireland in consultation with communities. 

“This project is an excellent example of how partnerships can realise the potential of our forests to deliver against wider objectives such as health, tourism, education and sport. I congratulate all those involved in the completion of this project.”

Totalling 12 kilometres, the new trail network in Castlewellan Forest Park takes in many of its key points of interest including the Annesley Gardens and arboretum as well as maximising the iconic views from the summit of Slievenaslat.

Less than one mile away, Bunkers Hill has been given a new lease of life with the launch of a unique play trail, consisting of a variety of play structures made entirely from wood including a lookout tower, the Donard climbing wall, a tunnel, story-telling chair and tepees, as well as seating for group learning.  

It’s anticipated the trail — designed to stimulate discovery and learning through outdoor play — will be used all year round by residents, schools and community groups. Two kilometres of trails suitable for walking and family cycling at the same location in Bunkers Hill were also officially opened last week.

ORNI Director, Jill Montgomery, said the new trails are designed to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors and enjoy the incredible natural landscape on their doorsteps, while Down Council chairman Billy Walker said he was “particularly impressed” with the new facilities.

“The people of Castlewellan now have the opportunity to enjoy this innovative play trail and multi-use trail in Bunkers Hill as well as explore the new walk trail network in Castlewellan Forest Park,” said Mr. Walker.

“We look forward to local people taking great pride and enjoyment from the new trails, with Down Council carrying out the refurbishment of the Peace Maze at the forest park, with the work including the installation of new interpretation panels, some tree planting and the reinstatement of the bell.”

Councillor Patrick Clarke said the family and play trails have been “tremendous successes” and the new play trail has also capturing the imagination of many young children enjoying the new recreation facility at Bunkers Hill.

He added: “The refurbishment of the peace maze, including new walkway and entrance signage, has allowed it to be enjoyed by the many visitors who can also take in the great views of Castlewellan. Our thanks to all the funders for their support.”