CANOEING has become one of the most popular watersports and with the recent launch of two new coastal trails, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is hoping even more people will take up the sport.

Northern Ireland already has five inland canoe trails and Nigel Tilson, of NITB, says there is an abundance of canoeing facilities available for all ages and abilities. “We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have so many perfect calm lakes and meandering rivers to explore and canoeing provides a great day out or weekend away for the family.”

There are five main inland canoe trails in Northern Ireland — at Lough Neagh, the River Blackwater, Lough Erne, the Lower Bann and Strangford Lough. The two new coastal trails are the Foyle Canoe Trail and the South East Canoe Trail.

Further information at www.canoeni.com/canoe-trails.

National Trails Day on Sunday October 2, includes six two hour canoeing sessions with free equipment and instruction, see www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk. Mobile Team Adventure is hosting Canoeing Open Sessions at Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, visit www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk.