Although things are improving, there aren’t many places which are disability friendly and offer toilets, places to rest and flat, smooth terrain but the ‘Journal’ has compiled a list of some of the best places for a summer outing.
5. The Bay Road Park. DER2105GS – 031
The Bay Road Park is a large, pathed park with plenty of trees, grassy areas and a view of the River Foyle. There are many inter-connected routes and paths to take which allow you to lengthen or shorten your journey to suit your ability. There are benches throughout with beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas. The path is popular with cyclists, runners, dog walkers and families and the wide paths allow plenty of room for everyone. There are no public toilets in this park and there is no children's playpark. People often park along the road at the entrance to the park and there is a car park if the Bay Road is followed to the end, with disabled bays available. Pictured is the Houston family getting some outdoor exercise in the Bay Road Park. DER2105GS – 031 Photo: George Sweeney
6. Strathfoyle Greenway
The recently opened Strathfoyle Greenway connects to the Waterside Greenway at the Foyle Bridge and ends at Stradowen Drive in Strathfoyle. The smooth, wide paths are comfortable for all users and the path is relatively flat. The path has beautiful views of the River Foyle and because it is away from the road, the greenway is peaceful and quiet with the birds singing you along. There are benches throughout but no public toilets. Cars can be parked in Strathfoyle or in Gransha grounds but they could be a bit of a distance from the path itself. Photo: none
7. Along the Quay
The quay covers a large stretch of land along the riverfront with plenty of entry and exit points. Starting near the Bay Road and continuing 'out the line', the quay is also set to be expanded with a new bridge linking the Bay Road Nature Reserve. Parking is available at Sainsburys and at multiple paid car parks and, although there are no public toilets, there are a number of cafés and restaurants along the route. There are seating areas from the former Fort George site right up to the Peace Bridge with less frequent seating areas from there 'out the line'. Most of the paths are wide and smooth although they do get narrow at points. There are a few loose tiles at points which are in the process of being repaired but may cause tripping a hazard for those who are more unsteady on their feet. This is an incredibly popular path with cyclists, walkers, runners and families and at peak times can be slightly overwhelming, particularly when the weather is good. At quiet times, the path provides peace away from busy roads with the beautiful river Foyle running adjacent. There are plenty of birds around the river and, if you're lucky, you might spot porpoises or other animals in the river. There is no loop on this path so if you are driving to go for a walk, you will have to turn back on yourself. Photo: none
8. The Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge is a much-loved piece of Derry architecture enabling pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river between Ebrington and the quay at the city centre. The path is very smooth and even, although there is a grid running through the centre of the path, which starts on the left hand side and crosses over the right as you move across. There is a slight bump where this grid meets the rest of the path. The bridge is higher on the Ebrington side so there is a slight incline when walking towards the Waterside. For people who can travel longer distances, it's possible to park on the Foyle Road or Victoria Market and walk over the Craigavon Bridge, returning via the Peace Bridge. There are no public toilets in the area, although the Guildhall is nearby on the city side and there are public toilets in Ebrington. Photo: none