OUTDOOR enthusiasts and nature lovers are being encouraged to explore a newly improved walking trail in the grounds of Kilbroney Park.
The Fallows Trail – which has undergone a £1.4m investment – meanders through Rostrevor Forest.
It is, according to the local council, set to become a “must-visit destination” for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark.
The new trail will provide an important resource for the local community to access an outdoor facility which will help promote social inclusion and benefit the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors alike.
Offering a unique and varied outdoor experience for visitors, the route stretches over 16km, and showcases remarkable views, plus a blend of landscape, adventure, and history.
Whilst The Fallows is a Category 4 mountain trail – with steeper inclines and rugged terrain, attracting an audience interested in a more challenging walk – Kilbroney Park also offers a wide range of low-level walking opportunities, including Fairy Glen and Narnia Trail, where people can enjoy the outdoors whilst availing of other facilities in the park, including the play park and café.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson, Pete Byrne attended the launch of the new-look trail.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Byrne said: “We are thrilled to introduce the Fallows Walking Trail to both the local community and visitors. It’s an exceptional way to enjoy the views of Rostrevor, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Kilbroney Park and the peaceful environment.”
He added: “This is a fantastic resource for the local community and an excellent way to bring people together. Getting out into nature with other walkers and visitors helps to foster a sense of community in the area and provides an opportunity to socialise with others.
“We are fortunate to have walking trails and visitor facilities in Kilbroney Park for everyone to enjoy.”
With investment of £1.4m, the Fallows Trail was delivered with funding support from DAERA, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, said the Rostrevor investment “is another example of how my department develops partnerships and funds initiatives which benefit rural communities.”
He added: “The new walking trail at Kilbroney Park, which received £750,000 from DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, will open up a host of opportunities for locals and visitors alike.”
The TRPSI Programme aims to tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas through organisations working in partnership.
Minister Muir said projects like this “are really important in sustaining and improving the health and wellbeing of rural residents, both young and old.”
Additionally, funding was also provided from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Northern Ireland.
For more information on this trail, check out the visitmournemountains.co.uk website.
