Ulster Way Update at July 2008

Background

In April 2003, the Environment Minister, Angela Smith MP, announced that EHS would fulfil a co-ordinating role with regard to the future of the Ulster Way. She stressed the importance of district councils playing a full part in improving and maintaining sections of the route.

Subsequently, an Ulster Way Advisory Committee was established to make recommendations on the future route and its management. This Committee includes representatives of voluntary bodies with an interest in walking and officials from relevant public-sector agencies. The Chairman is Allan Kilgore who represents the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside ; Allan previously worked for many years as an Access Officer with Newry & Mourne District Council.

Mission Statement

The Advisory Committee has agreed the following wording:

To establish a sustainable long distance quality walking route, which is well maintained, actively promoted and passes through scenically attractive areas of Northern Ireland . The Ulster Way will be an evolving route, with changes being made as practicable, towards the eventual aim of maximising the sustainability of the route and the percentage of off-road sections.

Route Survey Findings

It has been established that the former Ulster Way route is incomplete.

The route is understood to be closed to general public access at the following areas:

Belfast Hills (central section)

Garron Plateau (southern section)

Gortin Glen

Between White Park Bay and Ballintoy Harbour (closure being investigated by Moyle District Council)

Over private land north of Woodburn Forest

Parts of the route through Big Dog Forest and Conagher Forests in County Fermanagh

The steps from Lough Navar viewpoint to Lower Lough Erne

Through Kesh Foest

Over private land at Skea, north west of Kesh Forest

Part of the path at Dooninish, east of Dunseverick Harbour, on the Causeway Coast Way is undermined.  Walkers should check the availability of a safe bridge, by contacting National Trust staff at the Giant's Causeway, before traversing this section.

There are sections, including roads, where access to an acceptable standard has not yet been negotiated by the authorities concerned.

Proposals

THE ROUTE:

The Advisory Committee was concerned about the original route containing a large amount of walking on public roads. This was not a problem in the days of Wilfrid Capper but many of these roads are now much less attractive for walking due to increased traffic volume.

It has therefore been decided to focus promotion and signage on quality sections. These will be predominantly off-road and of a reasonable length. A full circular route will still exist and will be indicated on a new Ulster Way website but marketing by NITB, and others, is expected to concentrate on the quality sections.

NIEA has sought agreement from Forest Service and district councils on the Advisory Committee's suggested changes to the route.  All of the new sections are now agreed.

MAINTAINANCE:

NIEA has stated willingness to consider applications for the 100% funding of the cost of all signage and strategic maintenance needed to keep the quality sections open. It is hoped that district councils will agree to undertake other minor maintenance works and their agreement to do so is being sought.  Volunteers to inspect the route have been recruited by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN).

NIEA, CAAN and the Advisory Committee will discuss means by which the public can report problems with the route.

SIGNAGE:

A signage strategy for long distance routes in Northern Ireland has been produced and a copy can be downloaded. Signs are currently being ordered.

INSURANCE:

Cover has being taken out for all private landowners along the quality sections of the Ulster Way.  To comply with insurance policies, there will be a requirement to undertake periodic inspections of the route.

WEBSITE:

NIEA has asked CAAN to develop a new Ulster Way website.  This will be included within www.walkni.com.

LAUNCH:

It is hoped to launch the revised Ulster Way in March 2009

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

Please note - Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) must close the path between Ballyhornan and St Patricks Well, Ardglass for 3 weeks from 01 October until 22 October (inclusively) to facilitate the safe management of the Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is foreseen that this closure will occur annually on or around these dates for the next five years as these management techniques are a part of an on going strategy to maintain the site in a favourable condition.

The closure will be carried out by Down District Council on behalf of the NIEA, under Article 19 of The Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983.