Big Bann canoe challenge Aug 2014 in aid of Sp.I.N.I Spinal Injuries Northern Ireland

Big Bann canoe challenge Aug 2014 in aid of Sp.I.N.I Spinal Injuries Northern Ireland

Sp.I.N.I. (Spinal Injury Northern Ireland) is a new and exciting charity which specialises in “post hospitalisation” rehabilitation for all ages. Our aim is to provide individuals with support in social care and use of equipment for spinal injuries in their own area.

River Ban
Rivers of Ireland
The River Bann (Irish: an Bhanna, likely from an bhan-abha, meaning "the white river") is the longest river in Ulster, it's length, Upper and Lower Bann combined, being 129 km (80ml). However, the total length of the River Bann, including its path through the 30 km (19ml) long Lough Neagh is 159 km (99ml). The river winds its way from the southeast corner of Northern Ireland to the northwest coast, pausing in the middle to widen into the enormous Lough Neagh. The River Bann catchment has an area of 5,775 km2. According to C.Michael Hogan, the Bann River Valley is a settlement area for some of the first human arrivals in Ireland after the most recent glacial retreat. The river has played an important part in the industrialisation of the north of Ireland, especially in the linen industry. Today salmon and eel fisheries are the most important economic features of the river. The river is often used as a dividing line between the eastern and western areas of Northern Ireland.

The Lough Neagh catchment drains 43% of the land mass of Northern Ireland, as well as some border areas in the Republic of Ireland, all in Ulster. The Rivers Agency manages the water level in the lough using a barrage at Toome. The current drainage scheme was engineered by Major Percy Shepherd and was enabled by the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Drainage and Navigation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955. The levels are regulated between 12.45 metres to 12.6 metres above Ordnance Datum, as defined in the Lough Neagh (Levels) Scheme 1955 (as amended)

Lower Bann.
Overlooking the River Bann at Coleraine and the Riverside Retail Park on the eastern banks of the river
The Lower Bann flows from Lough Neagh at Toome to the Atlantic Ocean at Portstewart. The river is 64.4 km (40ml)[13] long and is a canalised waterway with five navigation locks at Toome, Portna, Movanagher, Carnroe and Castleroe. The river is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, anglers and cruisers and has minimal commercial traffic. It acts as most of the border between County Antrim and County Londonderry. The only commercial port on the river is at Coleraine. Ships from Londonderry Port and the Port of Belfast transfer coal and scrap metal.

The water level on the Lower Bann is controlled by Rivers Agency using gates situated at Portna (near Kilrea) and The Cutts at Coleraine.


Canoe & Kayak Brands

•Dagger Kayaks
•Elie Kayaks
•FeelFree Kayaks
•Hobie Kayaks
•Hou Canoes
•Islander Kayaks
•Jackson Kayaks
•Liquid Logic Kayaks
•Mad River Canoes
•North Shore Kayaks
•Ocean Kayaks
•Old Town Canoes
•Perception Kayaks
•P+H Sea Kayaks
•Pyranha Kayaks
•SeaBird Kayaks
•Valley Sea Kayaks
•Venture Canoes
•Venture Kayaks
•Wavesport Kayaks
•Wenonah Canoes
•Wilderness Systems

BIC Kayaks | RTM Kayaks | Prijon Kayaks | Cobra Kayaks | Eskimo Kayaks | Teksport Kayaks | Pelican Canoes

The 58km Lower Bann Canoe Trail is a unique way to experience this beautiful river and is suitable for canoeing enthusiasts of all abilities.

The river is steeped in history dating back to Mesolithic times. From the trail’s head at Toome, the river flows into Lough Beg – a beautiful area that is rich in wildlife. From Lough Beg it narrows at Newferry and acts for most of its length as the boundary between counties Londonderry and Antrim. On entering its last stretch towards the Atlantic Ocean it passes through the town of Coleraine. The trail finishes at Ballywoolen – beside a beautiful nature reserve owned by the National Trust and approximately 1.5 km from the Barmouth.

We hope this guide will be a useful trip-planning tool, highlighting the access/egress points and useful facilities ranging from parking to toilets.

There are 5 weirs and 3 sluice gates on the river which can be extremely dangerous. However, at all times it is possible to safely paddle into the navigation channels to avoid the weirs and sluice gates. All of these are clearly indicated on the map.

Also, be aware that sea-going vessels use the stretch of river between the Atlantic Ocean and Coleraine docks.

Musgrave Park Hospital is a non-acute hospital delivering a range of regional specialist healthcare services which has a reputation for excellence as well as education and research.

Included on the Musgrave Park Hospital site are a range of specialist orthopaedics and rehabilitation services available to people from all over Northern Ireland.