HERITAGE & HABITAT:It's National Trails Day tomorrow and organisations all over Ireland have come together to organise walks, cycles, canoeing and horse-riding, writes SYLVIA THOMPSON
ONE OF THE great pleasures we had in holidaying at home this year was the discovery and re-discovery of some beautiful walks within two hours’ drive of our house. Topping the latter list were our many walks in Glendalough, Co Wicklow. We brought dogs on leads, babies in buggies, children of various ages and grandparents on the hour-long multi-access walk between the lower and the upper lake in Glendalough. Meandering through a deciduous forest and along a boardwalk built over a bog, we met many visitors, including a group from Israel, all of whom were enjoying the trail on motorised wheelchairs.
Top of the discoveries list was the Raven Point Nature Reserve near Curracloe beach in Co Wexford. This much-loved woodland walk can also be enjoyed on bicycles. And, as many will testify, the side tracks that lead over the sand dunes to the deserted beach below are heavenly places when the sun shines.
Discovering and re-discovering trails through forests, open countryside, across mountains and around lakes, is the aim of tomorrow’s National Trails Day. The brainchild of Bill Murphy, head of recreation in Coillte, the day is intended to celebrate the country’s abundance of trails.
“I saw how trails were celebrated in the United States and I thought we could do that here, so last year we had over 6,000 people out to enjoy over 60 events. This year, we’ve over 100 events organised throughout Ireland North and South,” explains Murphy.
Last year, there were bat walks, mountain- bike cycles, family orienteering events, Leave No Trace hikes, trail conservation work, heritage walks and just plain walking. This year, water trails for canoeists and kayakers have been added and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board joins Fáilte Ireland, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Coillte as supporters/organisers of events.
The combined efforts of the National Trails office, Coillte and Comhairle na Tuaithe has meant that many trails around the country have now been graded and mapped. These included long-distance walks along the National Waymarked Trails (eg the Wicklow Way, the Kerry Way), 80 National Looped Walks with two or three different loops to choose from and Mountain Access routes – all clearly marked at the start and finish. Mountain Biking trails, family cycling trails and orienteering routes have also been developed around the country.
“The essence of the day is about being healthy and sporty, as well as appreciating the trails. We’re encouraging people to join in the guided walks, but if you want to enjoy your local woodland, that’s great too – or just go out and watch people go by,” says Murphy.
FAMILY WALKS:Former Irish Olympian and chief executive of the Irish Sports Council John Tracey will lead a two-hour walk in the Dublin Mountains, starting at 2pm in Ticknock. Suitable for casual walkers and children over eight.
In Hazelwood, Co Sligo, a fun adventure walk for all the family, including any with disabilities, takes place in Hazelwood, Co Sligo. Meet in the car park at Hazelwood for this walk along a multi-access trail. Arrive at 1.30pm to register.
A nature trail in Beleek Forest, near Ballina, Co Mayo, is suitable for children, babies in buggies and wheelchair users. Meet in the car park at Belleek Wood at 11am for this hour-long walk. Enjoy a walk on the upgraded trail of Ireland’s first forest park in Gougane Barra, Co Cork. The 90 minute walk starts at 2pm from the trailhead sign in the first car park at Gougane Barra. The Raven Point Nature Reserve, Curracloe, Co Wexford, is the venue for a family walk, starting at noon. Suitable for all ages, for buggies and dogs on leads.
WATER TRAILS:Experienced canoeists can explore the 6km stretch of the River Nore from Thomastown to Inistioge, Co Kilkenny. Meet at the riverside car park in Thomastown at 11am. Pre-booking required, contact 087-2265550.
In Galway, beginners are welcome on the Clare River canoe trail from Cregmore to Claregalway, starting at noon. Pre-booking required, contact 085-1495825.
Members of the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland will lead a trail on Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh. Bring your own gear for this four-hour event. Starts at the Lakeland Forum at 10am. Booking required, contact 00-44870- 2405065.
LEAVE NO TRACE:This campaign urges the responsible use of the outdoors. Its seven guiding principles will be highlighted on a coastal walk in Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, leaving the Creevy Pier Hotel at 2pm. The principles will also be explained on a children's treasure hunt through the Kippure Estate in Co Wicklow, from noon to 3pm. www.leavenotraceireland.org.
NATURE AND HERITAGE WALKS:The importance of forests to the red squirrels' survival is the theme of this three-hour walk in Gortin Glen, near Omagh, Co Tyrone. Meet in the Gortin Glen forest car park at 1pm. The red squirrel is also the theme of a 90-minute walk in Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down. Meet at the car park at 2pm. Wildlife expert Eanna Ni Lamhna will lead a walk in Oak Park Forest Park, outside Carlow town. Meet at the Oak Park Forest Car Park at 3pm for this 90 minute walk. Suitable for families.
In Tipperary, the culture, history and wildlife of the River Suir will be explored on this two/three hour walk from Bru Boru in Cashel to Castle Leake. Organised by the Tipperary Heritage Way, the walk leaves the Bru Boru Car Park at 1pm. Suitable for all ages with reasonable fitness levels.
Maurice Eakin, of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will talk about the plants and animals of the bog on this eco-walk in Girley Bog, near Kells, Co Meath. Meet in the car park at the trail head on the N52 Mullingar Road at 3pm for this two-hour walk. Walking boots recommended.
A walk around the new nature trail at Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre near Mulranny, Co Mayo, is a highlight of this one- to two-hour nature walk, starting at the Visitor Centre at 2pm. Suitable for children.
In Co Limerick, you can explore the famous old Great Southern Railway line by foot or bicycle. Meet at the Old Railway Station, Bishop Court, Newcastle West, town centre at 3pm. The walk takes three to four hours and the cycle about two. Suitable for all ages with reasonable fitness levels.
Athlete Olive Loughnane will lead the way through Farran Forest Park, near Ballincolig, Co Cork. The 90-minute walk, which leaves from the trailhead sign in the Farran Forest car park at 12.30pm, will focus on deer, tree species and bug life. Suitable for all.
Join geologist Dr Kirstin Lemon and local historian Jim Nolan on a guided walk through the Burren Forest in Co Cavan. Meet in the forest car park at 2pm for this two hour walk. Suitable for adults and children over eight. Get to know the trees of Glenveagh and watch birds of prey displays on these nature walks in Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal. Meet at the visitors centre at 3pm a 90-minute walk for all the family.
MOUNTAIN BIKING:A guided ride around the trails in Ballinastoe Woods, near Roundwood, Co Wicklow, sets off from the entrance to Ballinastoe Forest at 10am. The two-and-a-half-hour bike ride is suitable for most ages and abilities. Helmets mandatory. Organised by the Mountain Biking Association of Dublin.
In Galway, beginners (children aged six and over and adults) are welcome to join bikers on the one-hour trip through the Derroura Mountain Bike trail. Meet at the trail head car park in Derroura, near Oughterard, at noon, 1pm or 2pm. Bring your own bikes, helmets, suitable footwear and gloves.
Guides will be on hand on Ireland’s largest network of mountain biking trails in Ballyhoura, which straddles counties Limerick and Cork. Meet at the trailhead in the car park near Ardpatrick, Co Limerick at 11am. Pre-booking required, contact 086-6026917.
NORDIC WALKING:This rhythmical style of fast walking with poles is already hugely popular on the Continent. More whole-body workout than regular walking, it requires discipline and stamina. To try it out, go to Barnaslingan Wood car park in the Dublin Mountains at 2.30pm. Pre-booking required, contact 087-0523239.
TRAIL CONSERVATION:Shay Walsh of Mountain Meitheal, the volunteer group which restores and maintains trails in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, will show walkers the group's first project on the Wicklow Way and other trail conservation work in the area. Meet at 10.45 in the car park of St Kevin's Church, Laragh, Co Wicklow. The three-hour walk is suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over. Contact www.pathsavers.org.
HORSE TRAILS AND HILL WALKS:A ride in Glenariff Forest Park, Co Antrim, is one of the few events for horse riders tomorrow. The two-and-a-half hour trail starts at 2pm. Advanced booking required, contact 048-70868886.
FREE BUS TO DUBLIN MOUNTAINS:The bus will be free between 10am to 5pm. Offering access to walks in the mountains, the bus follows a circular route from Sandyford Luas to near Stepaside, Ballyedmonduff, Glencullen (Johnny Fox's pub), Wicklow Way, Tibradden, Cruagh, Hell Fire and Marlay Park, Rathfarnham. Passengers can hop on and off at these stops. See dublinmountains.ie
See also nationaltrailsday.ie, nationaltrailsday.co.uk and coillteoutdoors.ie