Construction work has now started on new multi-use trails at Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown, which as of May 2011 will offer visitors unique walking and cycling opportunities through this picturesque area of South Tyrone.

Estate owners Nick and Colleen Lowry have been working alongside the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) for a number of years to develop a new network of sustainable trails which will include 7 kilometres of cross-country mountain biking trails, pump track and skills area.

Clare Wright from CAAN explains “The 550 acre Blessingbourne Estate includes a wonderful mature woodland and Lough Fadda which is literally teaming with wildlife. The trails network has been specifically designed to make the most of these stunning surroundings providing great family walking and cycling opportunities.”

“As well as great walking opportunities and the cross-country mountain biking trails, there will be a challenging pump track where mountain bikers will be able to have fun and develop new tricks and skills. We are confident that these new trails will make Blessingbourne a real natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.”

The new trails at Blessingbourne have been designed by trails expert, Phil Saxena of Architrail, who is world renowned for his work previously designing mountain biking courses for the Beijing Olympics and the Downhill World Cup.

“We designed the new trails system to utilise the existing farm tracks and link these together with sections of newly constructed singletrack with lots of technical trail features including the mountain biking skills area,” explained Phil.

“The result is a challenging yet fun circular route through the estate, starting and finishing in the estate farmyard. We are really keen to accommodate not just seasoned mountain bikers but also those looking to maybe have a go for the first time.”

Alongside a significant investment from the Lowry’s, this unique project has been part-funded through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Tourism Development Scheme as well as through Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s Water Recreation Programme, Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council and Ulster Garden Villages. Once complete the trails will then be leased by Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council who will be responsible for the ongoing management and maintenance of the trails.

Coleen Lowery from Blessingbourne Estate said “The Estate already offers self catering accommodation and conference facilities, but this project will help to develop Blessingbourne as a hub for outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.”

Belfast based Doran Consulting are overseeing construction work and the new trails network is due to be officially launched in May 2011. Route descriptions, maps and facility information will be available on WalkNI.com, CycleNI.com and OutdoorNI.com.