About Us

This website is an initiative of the Countryside Access & Activities Network for Northern Ireland (CAAN).

The Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) is an umbrella organisation which brings together groups and bodies that have an interest in, or involvement with Countryside Recreation including:

• those participating in countryside recreation activities
• local and central government organisations
• farmers and landowners
• providers of outdoor education
• environmental and community organisations
• youth organisations

The Network was established in 1999 in response to the publication of Northern Ireland's first Countryside Recreation Strategy in November 1998.  It is charged with the strategic development, management and promotion of countryside recreation across Northern Ireland. CAAN's subsidiary company is Countryside Recreation: Northern Ireland. Limited by guarantee with charitable status, the Company is responsible for securing funding to enable CAAN to undertake practical countryside recreation projects.

From a walking perspective, CAAN is responsible for developing, managing and promoting walking across Northern Ireland by working in partnership with a wide range of organisations eg. local authorities and the National Trust.  CAAN is also involved in many other countryside recreation activities, and other useful CAAN websites include:

A definitive guide to countryside recreation in Northern Ireland
A definitive guide to canoeing in Northern Ireland
Environmental trails linked to orienteering in Northern Ireland
A definitive guide to mountain biking in Northern Ireland
A definitive guide to horse riding in Northern Ireland
A definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

CAAN Contact Details

Countryside Access and Activities Network
The Stableyard
Barnett's Demesne
Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5PB

Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248

info@walkni.com
www.countrysiderecreation.com