Access to Countryside
Ballymoney Borough Council, like all district Councils in Northern Ireland, has certain duties and responsibilities conferred by the Access to the Countryside (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 relating to public rights of way and other countryside access issues.
Council’s overall broad aim is to develop, safeguard and promote access opportunities which enable local residents, visitors and tourists to enjoy walking, cycling and riding in a safe environment within the Borough.
Council has adopted a Cycling Feasibility Study, the implementation of which will help to create a cycle friendly environment within the Borough. The study prioritises the development of an urban cycle network within Ballymoney town, centred on Council’s Riverside Park, together with rural routes linking into other established routes linking into other established cycle routes, especially those on the National Cycle Network (NCN). Council is working in partnership with Sustrans, Roads Service and other district councils to develop NCN Route 96 (provisionally known as the Lower Bann Way). The majority of this route follows minor country roads overlooking the Lower Bann River connecting the Loughshore Trail (NCN Route 94 – cycle route around Lough Neagh) with NCN Route 93 at Coleraine.
When developing the cycle network, where possible Council will aim to provide shared use paths which benefit, not only cyclists but pedestrians, wheelchair users and other disabled users also.
Where applicable Council will consider working with local community groups to develop countryside access schemes in rural areas.
Council organises an annual summer programme of countryside walks within the Borough, enabling walkers to experience many hidden delights of the north Antrim countryside, often in the company of an experienced guide.
Any queries or comments regarding countryside access matters should be forwarded to:
Countryside Officer,
Leisure & Amenities Department,
Tel: 028 2766 0236
E-mail:countryside@ballymoney.gov.uk
