Blackwater cycle trails link tourism gems

07 November 2008

A unique cross-border heritage trail was created this summer when two new cycle trails along the River Blackwater were launched.

The Blackwater Heritage Trail and Ulster Canal Cycle Trail link three country estates at Tynan, Caledon and Glaslough and the villages of Killylea, Middletown, Caledon, Mullan, Emyvale and Glaslough.

Managed by the Blackwater Regional Partnership, the Natural Resource Tourism project opens up for public enjoyment – by both locals and visitors to the area - many long-hidden and little known heritage gems. Points of interest along the trail include industrial, railway, canal and ecclesiastical remains and the long-established family names and estates of Leslie, Strong and Caledon. The project was part-financed by the European Union through the INTERREG IIIA Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the ICBAN Partnership.

Rick Cook, of cycling organisation Sustrans, commented that the new cycle trail was “an essential piece of work in linking the National Cycle Network Routes and the Kingfisher CycleTrail”.