Poots launches the new Ulster Way route

The new revised Ulster Way route and accompanying website were officially launched today by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

The new route provides a 625 mile, (1,000 kilometre) circular walking route around the best landscape and scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Poots said: “The Ulster Way provides access to the best of Northern Ireland, its landscapes, biodiversity, archaeology, and its people. Winding its way around our living and working countryside, you are never far from a section of the route. I hope that local people and tourists alike will be inspired to rediscover walking as a way to keep fit and enjoy our wonderful environment.”

The route has been created and will be maintained through a partnership between government, councils, landowners, walkers and non-government organisations, co-ordinated and funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and advised by the Ulster Way Advisory Committee. The route will continue to gradually change over time and it is planned that District Councils will work with other partners to increase the length of the route off-road.

Planning trips along the revised Ulster Way has been made easier with the creation of the new official Ulster Way website. The Minister added: “The excellent new Ulster Way website, created by the Countryside Access and Activities Network, creates a ‘one-stop shop’ for walkers including interactive and printable maps, route directions and links to accommodation and attractions.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Ulster Way project including this official website has been funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
2. This website has been created by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) with funding from NIEA.
3. The new route is separated into Quality and Link Sections. The Quality Sections are mostly off road and pass through all of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are signposted throughout their length. The old green and yellow Ulster Way signs dotted throughout the Northern Irish countryside have been replaced with striking new blue and yellow signs indicating the Quality Sections of the new route. The Link Sections are not way marked and are mainly on public roads, some of which can be busy.
4. The Ulster Way was originally planned by Wilfrid Capper, a keen rambler, and opened during the 1970s to link the Youth Hostels through the most interesting and scenic areas of Ulster.
5. All media inquiries should be directed to the Department of Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.