For those searching for peace and tranquillity in the Northern Irish countryside the Blackwater Canoe Trail will certainly deliver. This 20 km Canoe Trail was officially launched on Friday 9th November at the National Trust Property, The Argory, Moy, Dungannon.
The River Blackwater is an ideal venue providing a Trail of 20 km for Canoeing enthusiasts of any ability. The river lazily meanders through the beautiful countryside of counties Armagh and Tyrone, flowing gently into Lough Neagh, from where the options are endless. There are two official campsites on the route, one of which; Coney Island is steeped in history with its motte and ancient round tower.
This initiative follows on from the successful Lough Erne Canoe Trail launched in May 2005. Both Trails have been developed by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) and the Canoe Association for Northern Ireland (CANI).
The project has been funded by the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme (through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council RDC), International Fund for Ireland, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Armagh City and District Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council. The project has also been supported by Sport NI and The National Trust. Alec Foye, DCAL Inland Waterways added “…we are delighted to be associated with this project as part of our commitment to develop the recreational potential on Northern Ireland’s inland waterways.”
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the EU BSP Programme and the International Fund for Ireland, Joy Hadden, Deputy Chief Executive RDC, said, “As delivery agent for two of the funders to this project, we are delighted to officially launch the Blackwater Canoe Trail, a trail which travels through some of the most beautiful scenery of Counties Tyrone and Armagh. It offers first class facilities for canoeists of all abilities and demonstrates how integration across a range of agencies can deliver a quality tourism product which will benefit the local area and generate tourism revenue for the area.” This was demonstrated at the launch by canoeists from Craigavon Watersports, Boots and Paddles Canoe Club and Mobile Team Adventure.
www.canoeni.com was launched in conjunction with the trail. “The new website will provide an excellent interactive source of information for tourists, enthusiasts and novices who wish to paddle the new trail or find out more about canoeing in Northern Ireland” said Ashley Hunter, Coaching Development Officer CANI
The venue for the launch was The Argory, a beautifully kept National Trust property in a truly fine setting overlooking the River Blackwater; a perfect example of the natural and built heritage which can be viewed along the Trail. It is one of the nine designated Access points which are clearly marked on the innovative waterproof Trail Guide which is an essential tool for paddling the Trail. Each Access Point also has an interpretative panel to inform canoeists and interested river bank watchers alike.
The Canoe Trail evolution will continue into 2008 with upcoming launches of Lower Bann, Lough Neagh and Strangford Lough Canoe Trails.