Ballycarry walking group becomes one of Mid and East Antrim’s biggest as new members invited to join

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon joins Walk Leaders from Ballycarry who are bringing neighbours together through walking as part of the new Walking for All initiative in the area.

A community walking group in Ballycarry has quickly grown into one of the largest in Mid and East Antrim, with organisers now encouraging more people to lace up their walking shoes and get involved.

Since launching earlier this year, the Ballycarry Walking Group has attracted around two dozen regular participants each week, offering local people a free opportunity to improve their health, enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends.

Mayor praises community effort

The success of the group was recognised during a recent visit by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim,

Alderman Thomas Gordon, who praised volunteers for creating an initiative that is helping strengthen community life in the village.

“It’s inspiring to see what Ballycarry Community Association and the local Walk Leaders have created,” he said.

Walk Leader Pete Christian of Ballycarry was joined by Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon on Tuesday 21st July for a community walk around Ballycarry village as part of the new Walking for All initiative in the area.

“This group isn’t just about walking, it’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities for neighbours to connect and strengthening community spirit.

“The enthusiasm and commitment behind this group is clear to see and it’s fantastic that so many local people are enjoying the benefits of spending time outdoors. I hope even more residents will be encouraged to come along for a walk to experience it for themselves and appreciate the support of others.”

The Ballycarry group forms part of Walking for All, a cross-border initiative supported through PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and led by Outscape.

Growing week after week

The group’s volunteer Walk Leaders completed their training in May and now share responsibility for leading two weekly walks every Tuesday. They are supported by local Walking for All Officer Caitriona Murray-Tait.

Lesley Clawson Walk Leader in Ballycarry community is joined by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon and Caitriona Murray-Tait, Walking for All Officer for the Mid and East Antrim area, for a community walk around the village.

Walk Leader Lesley Clawson said the group’s popularity had exceeded expectations.

“We started the Go Run Ballycarry in November and quickly realised that there was a need in the community for a more accessible way to come together. Then we saw the opportunity to train as Walk Leaders with Walking for All, which was a great fit.

“When we first started the weekly walk, we simply hoped people would come along and enjoy a walk together. It’s been wonderful to see the group grow week after week.

“We have people old and young come along each week, for lots of different reasons. Some want to become more active, some enjoy getting outdoors and others are simply looking for company. Whatever brings them out to our walks, everyone receives a warm welcome and it’s been lovely to see new friendships develop within the group.”

Free walks across Mid and East Antrim

Walking for All Officer Caitriona Murray-Tait said the Ballycarry group demonstrates the positive impact regular community walks can have.

“It was great to have the Mayor join us in Ballycarry this week and experience a fantastic example of what Walking for All is all about,” she said.

“By supporting local people to train as Walk Leaders, we’re helping communities create something shaped by local people and built to last.

“The success of this group shows that when rural communities are given the right support, something as simple as a regular walk can make a real difference to people’s health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

“Our walks are free and take place at the same time, same place each week. Walking for All is not only walking in Ballycarry, but right across the region. We would welcome anyone who’s heard about Walking for All because of Ballycarry’s success and is interested in coming along to their nearest walk.”

The programme is delivered locally by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, with eight regular walks now taking place each week across Mid and East Antrim. Organisers say all walks are welcoming new participants.

Where and when you can join a walk

Ballycarry

• Ballycarry Morning Strollers – Tuesdays, 10am

• Ballycarry Walkers – Tuesdays, 6.30pm

Ballygalley

• Mondays, 6pm

Carnlough

• St John’s Walk and Talk – Mondays, 6.15pm

• Carnlough Harbour Walk – Tuesdays, 6pm

• St John’s Walk and Talk – Wednesdays, 7pm

Glenarm

• Marina Walk – Wednesdays, 10.30am

Martinstown

• Fridays, 1pm

Anyone wishing to join a walk for the first time is asked to arrive 15 minutes before the advertised start time to register, or sign up in advance online at www.walkingforall.com/join-a-walk.

For more information about starting a walking group or finding your nearest walk anywhere across the region, visit www.walkingforall.com.

Walking for All aims to make walking accessible, enjoyable and social while helping improve physical health, mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation in rural communities across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The programme is supported through PEACEPLUS and delivered in partnership with 15 organisations.

For local residents looking for an easy way to become more active or meet new people, organisers say there’s no experience required—just comfortable footwear and a willingness to take the first step.