Cloughmills walk helping residents reconnect as new wellbeing campaign expands
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan with participants of the walk at Cloughmills.
Residents in Cloughmills are stepping out together each week as part of a growing community walking initiative aimed at tackling isolation, improving wellbeing and encouraging people of all ages to become more active.
The weekly “Walking for All” walk, held every Friday at The Mill in Cloughmills, is one of a number of new community-led walks now taking place across Causeway Coast and Glens.
Last week, Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Councillor Oliver McMullan joined local participants and Walking for All Officer Colleen Martin for one of the walks as organisers continued efforts to expand the programme into more towns and villages across the borough.
The initiative is designed to make walking accessible and social, particularly for people who may feel isolated, lack confidence, or simply want to meet others while improving their physical and mental health.
Mayor joins Cloughmills community walk
Participants at the walk that took place in Cloughmills.
Councillor McMullan praised the programme after taking part in the Cloughmills walk, describing it as an important way of helping people stay connected while improving their wellbeing.
“I was delighted to join Colleen on one of the walks, which are now taking place across Causeway Coast and Glens.
“Events like these are a wonderful way to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular exercise. They are not only good for our physical health, but also for our mental wellbeing, as they encourage us to connect with others.”
Organisers say the walks are intentionally informal and inclusive, with no pressure on participants to have previous walking experience or high fitness levels.
Instead, the focus is on creating welcoming local groups where people can get outdoors, enjoy regular movement and build social connections within their own communities.
Push to recruit more local walk leaders
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan with Causeway Coast and Glens Walking for All Officer, Colleen Martin.
Alongside encouraging participation, the programme is also seeking more residents willing to become volunteer Walk Leaders.
Colleen Martin is now inviting community groups and individuals across Causeway Coast and Glens to help establish new regular walks in their local areas.
Organisers say full training and ongoing support are provided, and volunteers do not need to be expert walkers.
Anyone interested in helping lead a walk simply needs to be friendly, reliable and enthusiastic about supporting others within their community.
The Cloughmills walk takes place every Friday at 12 noon, meeting at The Mill, and organisers say everyone is welcome to attend.
Those interested in Walk Leader training or starting a local walking group can contact Colleen Martin at Colleen.Martin@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
Further information on local walks is available at walkingforall.com
Part of wider PEACEPLUS wellbeing programme
Walking for All is supported through PEACEPLUS funding, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and delivered through a major cross-border partnership led by Outscape.
The programme aims to improve public health, reduce social isolation and encourage stronger community connections through accessible outdoor activity.
It involves councils and organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Public Health Agency, Sport Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland.
Organisers say walking remains one of the most affordable and inclusive ways to improve physical health, mental wellbeing and community participation — particularly in rural areas where opportunities for social connection can sometimes be limited.
