New Fallows Walking Trail Launched

Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council are welcoming outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore the newly improved Fallows Walking Trail in the breathtaking Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. This scenic trail, which meanders through the stunning woodlands of Rostrevor Forest, is set to become a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Mourne, Gullion Strangford Geopark.

The new trail will provide an important resource for the local community to access an outdoor facility which will help promote social inclusion and benefit the health and wellbeing of people with Newry, Mourne and Down.

The Fallows Walking Trail offers a unique and varied outdoor experience for visitors. Stretching over 16.2 km, the trail showcases some of the most remarkable views from Ballynagelty viewpoint of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding Mourne Mountains, an opportunity to enjoy the Rostrevor Oakwood or to get up close to Cloughmore Stone, a perfect blend of landscape, adventure, and history.

Kilbroney Park offers a wide range of low-level walking opportunities including Fairy Glen and Narnia Trail providing an important opportunity for local families to enjoy the outdoors whilst availing of other facilities in the Park including Play Park and Café.

The Fallows is a Category 4 mountain trail with steeper inclines and rugged terrain, attracting an audience interested in a more challenging walk.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne attended the launch of the Fallows Trail and said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Fallows Walking Trail to both the local community and visitors. It’s an exceptional way to enjoy the views of Rostrevor, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Kilbroney Park and the peaceful environment.

Councillor Byrne continued, “This is a fantastic resource for the local community and an excellent way to bring people together. Getting out into nature with other walkers and visitors helps to foster a sense of community in the area and provides an opportunity to socialise with others. We are fortunate to have walking trails and visitor facilities in Kilbroney Park for everyone to enjoy.”

With investment of £1.4million, the Fallows Trail was delivered with funding support from Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (“DAERA”) through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, with funding provided for Phase 1 and 2 of the Fallows project.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said, “This project is another example of how my Department develops partnerships and funds initiatives which benefit rural communities. The new walking trail at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor which received £750,000 from DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, will open up a host of opportunities for locals and visitors alike. 

The TRPSI Programme aims to tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas through organisations working in partnership. Projects like this are really important in sustaining and improving the health and wellbeing of rural residents, both young and old.”

Additionally, funding was also provided from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Northern Ireland.

For further information on the Fallows Walking Trail visit visitmournemountains.co.uk