Steveb
03-30-2006, 09:11 AM
From The Ulster Herald (http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/premium/304384691997001.php).
JUST in time for Spring, 300 miles of signed cycle routes in the Sperrins have been launched this week.
As 12 exciting new circular routes have been created, varying in distance from 11 to 41 miles, there really is no excuse not to get on your bike and explore the beauty of the Sperrins.
Some sections of the cycle route link with the National Cycle Network and all connect with existing accommodation, visitor services, tourist attractions and scenic viewpoints offering the perfect way to explore, discover and enjoy the heart of the Sperrins by bike.
The natural asset of the mountain range, mixed with the unspoilt landscape of winding rivers, sun swept valleys, natural forests and scenic lakes, all translate into a region recognised as one of the most idyllic areas of rural Ireland - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The new cycle route invites tourists and locals to enjoy the unique landscape, rich in natural and archaeological heritage as well as the folklore.
The £200,000 project was implemented by transport charity, Sustrans, on behalf of Sperrins Tourism and was funded through the EU Peace programme, assisted by DARD and Sperrin Tourism.
The Sperrins region stretches from the western shoreline of Lough Neagh to the Tyrone/Donegal border.
Richard Cook, Sustrans Area Manager, said, 'This project will significantly enhance the National Cycle Network in the area creating high quality routes, encouraging sustainable tourism for visitors, as well as being ideal for local people to explore their local area by bike.'
The first of the 12 routes starts at Gortin, where there is the accommodation centre offering cycle hire. It takes in the Sperrin Heritage Centre and Barnes Gap. For the convenience of the cyclists, cycle parking stands have been installed at 38 locations, and 24 information panels clearly mark out the cycle routes and the region's highlights.
The Sperrins Cycle route map is now available, showing not only the circular routes and the National Cycle Network, but the road network for the more ambitious cyclist.
For those wanting to try just one or two of the cycle routes, free leaflets are available from Sperrin Tourism and the visitor centres in the area.
JUST in time for Spring, 300 miles of signed cycle routes in the Sperrins have been launched this week.
As 12 exciting new circular routes have been created, varying in distance from 11 to 41 miles, there really is no excuse not to get on your bike and explore the beauty of the Sperrins.
Some sections of the cycle route link with the National Cycle Network and all connect with existing accommodation, visitor services, tourist attractions and scenic viewpoints offering the perfect way to explore, discover and enjoy the heart of the Sperrins by bike.
The natural asset of the mountain range, mixed with the unspoilt landscape of winding rivers, sun swept valleys, natural forests and scenic lakes, all translate into a region recognised as one of the most idyllic areas of rural Ireland - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The new cycle route invites tourists and locals to enjoy the unique landscape, rich in natural and archaeological heritage as well as the folklore.
The £200,000 project was implemented by transport charity, Sustrans, on behalf of Sperrins Tourism and was funded through the EU Peace programme, assisted by DARD and Sperrin Tourism.
The Sperrins region stretches from the western shoreline of Lough Neagh to the Tyrone/Donegal border.
Richard Cook, Sustrans Area Manager, said, 'This project will significantly enhance the National Cycle Network in the area creating high quality routes, encouraging sustainable tourism for visitors, as well as being ideal for local people to explore their local area by bike.'
The first of the 12 routes starts at Gortin, where there is the accommodation centre offering cycle hire. It takes in the Sperrin Heritage Centre and Barnes Gap. For the convenience of the cyclists, cycle parking stands have been installed at 38 locations, and 24 information panels clearly mark out the cycle routes and the region's highlights.
The Sperrins Cycle route map is now available, showing not only the circular routes and the National Cycle Network, but the road network for the more ambitious cyclist.
For those wanting to try just one or two of the cycle routes, free leaflets are available from Sperrin Tourism and the visitor centres in the area.