Council seeks views on proposed greenways
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC Council) has secured Department for Infrastructure funding to conduct feasibility studies for four potential greenway routes across the borough.
Stretching a total distance of 109km (or 68 miles), the proposed greenways – from Aghalee to Portadown, Banbridge to Scarva, Portadown to Caledon and Portadown to Moy – would offer traffic-free paths for everyone whether it’s for health, recreation or commuting.
The feasibility studies, commissioned by ABC Council and facilitated by AECOM, will involve necessary participation from landowners and the general public. Local landowners will play a particularly important role in these studies and will soon receive a letter calling for their involvement and support, in addition input will also be sought from the wider general public.
As greenways take many forms – from shared farm lanes to riverside paths, naturally finished or fully tarmacked – the studies will seek to obtain a wide range of views, opinions and ideas on defining the proposed routes as well as gathering information on costs and challenges.
The feasibility studies will provide a full picture to help determine whether ABC Council will proceed with the development of the greenways.
Welcoming the studies, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Julie Flaherty commented,
“I would urge local people to express their ideas on the greenway proposals. We already have popular greenways in our borough connecting important urban and rural areas, and we cannot progress without the input from the potential users.”
Helping better connect our city, towns and villages away from car traffic, the proposed greenways will provide an alternative and sustainable method for commuting and recreation, which will in turn help enhance the health and wellbeing of residents as well as protect and safeguard our environment for future generations.
To find out more about the proposed greenways or to have your say, please contact Simon Wells from AECOM on email simon.wells@aecom.com or phone 028 9060 7200 by 12 noon on Friday 29 March 2019.
Rachelle Coyle, Communications Assistant T: 028 3831 3606
For more information on each of the proposed routes click on the links below.
aghalee_to_portadown.pdf
banbridge_to_scarva.pdf
portadown_to_caledon.pdf
portadown_to_moy.pdf
Pigeon Rock Mountain and Murlough - 14 February 2019
Derek picks his route - click for more pics
Mike and Derek led all the hillwalkers on a mighty trek across Pigeon Rock Mountain, Cock Mountain and Hen Mountain before treturning via the Splega Dam. A good time was had by all - despite clouds and strong winds on the summits it was yet another perfect day for walking . The slide show includes a view towards the Mournes taken just north of Belfast Lough on the afternoon Easyjet flight from Glasgow.
Loughgall and Kilfeaghan - 07 February 2019
Gordon led a great walk at Loughgall in perfect weather.
Two groups of intrepid walkers headed for the hills on 07 February. Here they are waitng for the No. 39 bus at Kilbroney.
On yet another perfect day for walking John led a small band to visit the Kilfeaghan Dolmen and thence up on to Knockshee, Slievefadda, Slieve Martin and Slievemeen before returning for well-earned refreshments in Synge and Byrne's cafe at Kilbroney.
Stats: 7 miles, total ascent 2,158ft (658m.), avg. speed 1.6mph. Click HERE to follow route on Viewranger. Click HERE to see some pics of this great walk.
Kilfeaghan Dolmen - click to view more
Meanwhile Mike led his merry band on a 12 mile trek over Formal, Rocky Mountain, Slieveroe and Finlieve More with a return to Kilbroney via Rostrevor Forest.
Click on pic to see more
Tollymore - 31 January 2019
Cedars walkers enjoy Tollymore - click on pic for more
Icy conditions forced a change of plan but didn't dampen the spirits of Cedars walkers who enjoyed some great walks in the Mournes, for the most part in the relative shelter of Tollymore forest.
Leitrim Lodge and Clare Glen - 24 January 2019
We had perfect weather (no rain!) for four great walks from Leitrim Lodge on Thursday, 24 January 2019. The pic above shows Gordon and John's group on the summit of Pierces's Castle - click on pic to enlarge. The Pierce's Castle, Tornamrock, Rocky Mountain loop was nearly 5 miles long with an ascent of over 400 metres - a great walk. Click on the button below for more pics.
Meelmore 10 January 2019
We had a variety of great and sometimes challenging walks up, over, around and fornenst Meelmore and Meelbeg. The weather was kind to us - some walkers were even spotted in shorts and short sleeves! John made a solo ascent of Meelbeg and enjoyed his unhurried lunch by the wee hoose.
Cheers! John enjoys a refreshing cuppa on Meelmore. Click on button below for more pics.
Giant's Ring - 17 January 2019
As anticipated 17 January was a perfect day for walking (as usual) and two great walks were organised - the planned walk to Giant's Ring and a hill walk at Kilbroney.
Kilbroney and Slieve Martin - 17 January 2019
A good time was had by all.
Photographs from some of our walks
Cedars walkers meet weekly on Thursdays and try to provide a range of walks to suit the varied wishes of our members. Most of our mountain walks are in the Mournes but we also like to walk in the Cooleys, Sperrins and Antrim Hills. Locations for our "level" walks include forests, public parks, tow paths and National Trust property such as Castle Ward.
Joining
Application forms can be obtained from the Jethro Centre, Lurgan. There is a long waiting list of people wishing to join. We would welcome applications from individuals with walk leader qualifications or suitable experience.
Our old web site
We hope you like the new-look web site. To view the old site click on the link below.