Hilltown Community Trail Development to be Progressed

A Newry, Mourne and Down District Council proposal to develop a new community trail in Hilltown is to be advanced into planning.

The recommendation to progress the project, including the appointment of a consultant to advance the project to the planning stage, was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee on Monday, 16 February, 2026. This decision has to be formally ratified by the full Council when it meets next month.

Community trails provide better connectivity within communities and the surrounding countryside, increasing safe access for people of all ages and abilities to move around their local area.

The proposed trail in Hilltown aims to provide safe off-road walking for local people, encourage participation in physical activity and enhance the connectivity and amenity of the site and will integrate with planned works at Clonduff GAC.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philp Campbell said, “Investing in community trails produces many benefits for people of all ages.

“Community trails are safe and provide an opportunity for families and residents to improve their health by getting out in the fresh air and exercising. We are very fortunate to have a number of scenic walking trails across the district which are extremely popular.”

Cllr Campbell said the Hilltown trail will complement the proposed investment at Clonduff GAC, providing people in the village and visitors with a new community asset.