Cycling In The Borough Of Coleraine
Bike Week 2010
Coleraine Borough Council, working in partnership with County Hall Sports Association, DRD Roads Service, Forest Service and Ballymoney Borough Council, has organised a number of cycling events during Bike Week 13th – 27th June 2010. Council acknowledges the financial support provided by Travelwise Northern Ireland in the organisation of Council's Bike Week programme of events. For further information download the programme here (pdf).
A significant proportion of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 93 passes through the north of the Borough. It is readily identified by distinctive signage.
Substantial sections of the route, which links Downhill, Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush and Bushmills/Portballintrae, offer superb coastal scenery, and are along traffic-free purpose-built cycle paths. These constitute a relatively safe leisure facility for all users, including families with young children, but all users are encouraged to follow the Highway Code and exercise caution.
A new cycling leaflet has been published by Coleraine Borough Council, Sustrans and DRD Roads Service highlighting cycling opportunities within the Borough of Coleraine. The leaflet, entitled "Cycling in the Borough of Coleraine", provides a detailed insight into cycle routes along the north coast and also features a suggested route for exploring the north Sperrins countryside around the village of Garvagh in the south west of the Borough.
The leaflets are available from tourist information centres and Council offices.
For further details contact Council's Countryside Access Officer at (028) 7034 7234 or email mark.strong@colerainebc.gov.uk
Attractions Along The Route
Giant's Causeway
The spectacular World Heritage site with its basalt columns, Atlantic Coast views and a certain amount of folklore thrown in is well worth a visit. Cafe, shops, tourist information and audio visual guide available.
Bushmills Railway
This recently refurbished heritage railway, the only steam heritage railway in N. Ireland, operating daily services from early may to the end of September, runs on the line of the original Portrush to Giant's Causeway tramway. The cycle path runs alongside the railway.
Bushmills Distillery
Situated in the picturesque village of Bushmills, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery offers visitors opportunities to avail of the following services: Guided tour of working distillery, whiskey tasting, gift shop and restaurant.
Portrush and Portstewart
These neighbouring coastal resorts, enjoying spectacular natural settings, offer a wide range of services and facilities for visitors and tourists. The area is famed for its high quality beaches, which regularly attain Blue Flag status.
Mountsandel Fort, Coleraine Borough
Situated on the wooded eastern bank of the River Bann, the Fort is the setting of the earliest known habitation of man in Ireland, dating from before 7,000 B.C. Visitors can enjoy pleasant riverside walks and excellent views over the town and river.
Hezlett House
A 17th Century thatched cottage, owned by the National Trust and thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Ireland. It is now furnished in late Victorian style with a small display of traditional farm implements.
Mussenden Temple, Downhill
The Temple and surrounding coastal views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Opportunities exist to explore the ruins of Downhill Castle, the Bishop's Gate and Mausoleum, al situated within a rural parkland setting.
Garvagh
This thriving rural market town, located on the Agivey River in the south of the Borough, provides an ideal base for touring the North Sperrins.