Posts filed under 'Hiking'
The seventh and final section of the Royal Canal Way takes walkers on a peaceful trek through the beautiful natural surroundings lying between Riverstown Bridge and Moran’s Bridge in Mullingar. This section of the walking route is located in County Westmeath in the Leinster province. Walkers will have to cover a considerable distance of fourteen kilometres in order to finish walking on this walking trail. There is little climbing to be done here so most walkers shouldn’t need more than four hours to get to the end of this trail. The surface terrain of this walking route is mostly composed of grassy bank. The harbour at Mullingar is notable for the fact that it is divided into two parts by Scanlan’s Bridge.
April 2nd, 2007
Hill of down is the place walkers need to be at to start the sixth section of the Royal Canal Way. This section ends at Riverstown Bridge. For this section of the walking trail, walkers will take in the delightful views of County Meath in the Leinster province. This section of the walking route is also easy like the previous sections and doesn’t any difficult climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of a little over ten kilometres. Three and a half hours should prove to be enough time for them to get from start to finish of this section. The surface terrain of this section of the Royal Canal Way consists of road and track. There is a wooded demesne called Hyde Park near D’Arcy’s wood. The old canal boats on D’Arcy’s bridge remind newcomers of the Leech family who were the last traders to work on the canal before its closure. Walkers will be able to view a fine harbour at Thomastown that owes its existence to the widening of the canal here. From this point onwards, there are two towpaths to follow on both sides of the canal. The southern path is even good enough for driving vehicles.
March 30th, 2007
The fifth section of the Royal Canal Way stretches from Enfield Bridge to Hill of down. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This section is also easy to complete for most walkers and extends over a long distance of fifteen kilometres. There isn’t much climbing involved on this section. Walking at a normal pace, walkers should be able to complete this section of the walking trail in less than four and a half hours. The walking terrain of this route is comprised mostly of grassy bank and to a lesser extent, track and road. Those with a passion for angling will want to check out the fishing competitions at Enfield Harbour. Stretching from here to Moyvalley, walkers will be thrilled with the attractive line of trees that is unmatched in its beauty on the whole canal.
March 29th, 2007
The fourth section of the Royal Canal Way is located between McLoughlin Bridge and Enfield Bridge. This section is also located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This is an easy walking route with little or no climbing to do. This section of the walking route requires the walkers to cover a distance of about nine kilometres. Three hours should be more than enough to complete this section of the Royal Canal Way. Walkers will have to pass through Cappa Bog on this walking route. There is a waterway here located between the 17th Lock and the Cloncurry Bridge. This waterway looks quite attractive thanks to the lining of trees along it. This walking route lies on the south bank of the canal. From Cloncurry bridge ahead, walkers will be walking along the canal for about a mile. After that, the road turns into a shaded area with trees and enters Enfield.
March 28th, 2007
The third section of the Royal Canal Way takes walkers on a short journey through the beautiful countryside of County Kildare in the Leinster province. This section starts from Maynooth Harbour and ends at McLoughlin Bridge. This is an easy walking route with very little climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of about ten kilometres on this section of the walking trail. Most walkers won’t need more than three hours to finish walking on this route. This section is located on the north side of the canal. Most of the walking surface on this section of the walking route consists of grassy track. The canal comes to a close after Chamber’s Lock. The innumerable trees here make it quite difficult to see Kilcock.
March 27th, 2007
The second section of the Royal Canal Way begins at Cope Bridge Leixlip Confey Station and ends at Maynooth Harbour. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This is an easy walking trail with not a lot of climbing involved. This section stretches to a distance of seven and a half kilometres. Most walkers will be able to finish walking on this route in about two and a half hours. This track is located on the north side of the canal. The surface terrain of this walking trail consists of track and grassy bank. Carton House is located on this route. This house is known to be the former seat of the Dukes of Leinster. Tourists will be delighted to check out the rich culture and heritage evident in the architecture and artefacts of this house.
March 26th, 2007
The Royal Canal Way is a fine walking trail that stretches over a long distance of seventy seven kilometres. This walking route is divided into seven sections. Each of these sections can be completed in a half day of walking. The Royal Canal Way starts at Ashtown and ends in Mullingar. The first section of this walking path consists of the stretch between Ashtown and Cope Bridge Leixlip Confey Station. This section is local to County Dublin in the Leinster Province. It is an easy walking route with little climbing that will involve walking over a considerable distance of eleven and a half kilometres. Healthy walkers should be able to complete this route in about three and a half hours. Most of the walking terrain on this trail consists of track. Walkers will find it interesting to know that the canal passing between Coolmine and Clonsilla was actually cut through the solid limestone of Carpenterstown Quarry. There are plenty of trees to be seen on the banks of Deep Sinking.
March 21st, 2007
The tenth and final section of Barrow Way starts from Graiguenamanagh and extends all the way to St. Mullins. This last section of the Barrow Way is located in County Carlow in the Leinster province. The difficulty grading of this walking section is easy with not much climbing involved. This section is relatively shorter with only eight kilometres to traverse. Walkers will be able to easily complete this route in about three hours. The walking terrain on this route is largely comprised of grassy track. Walkers can look forward to a relaxing walk by the riverside on this trail. The landscape surrounding this walking trail mostly consists of forest, farmland and small dams called weirs. Bahana Wood and the Scar are two forests that walkers will see on this route. At Graiguenamanagh, walkers can view a bridge dating back to the 1760’s. This bridge was built to replace a 15th century stone bridge. The thirteenth century Abbey of Duiske is a well known attraction in Graiguenamanagh. Walkers will find Tinnahinch Castle located beside the lock to also be an interesting place to visit.
March 20th, 2007
The ninth section of Barrow Way starts from Goresbridge and ends at Graiguenamanagh. This section is perfect for getting acquainted with the beautiful sights and sounds of County Carlow in the province of Leinster. Average walkers will find this section to be pretty easy. There is very little climbing to be done on this route. This section of the Barrow Way stretches over a long distance of fourteen and a half kilometres. Most walkers should be able to finish this walking trail in about four and a half hours. This trail provides walkers with an opportunity to enjoy some riverside walking that will surely have a calming influence on their minds troubled by everyday worries. The walking terrain on this route consists mostly of a grassy track. Walkers will be intrigued to know that the bridge at Goresbridge dates back to 1756 when it was built. This village is named after the Gore family. Barrowmount House used to be the residence of this family. Borris Demesne is linked to the MacMurrough Kavanagh family. This family is said to be the descendents of the kings of Leinster. Walkers can also witness the ruins of Ullard House and castle near the Ballinagrane Lock.
March 19th, 2007
The eighth section of Barrow Way is a delightful walk from Leighlinbridge to Goresbridge. This section is also located in County Carlow in the Leinster province. This is an easy section to enjoy walking with a minimum of climbing involved. The distance to be covered on this walking trail amounts to thirteen and a half kilometres. Walkers can expect to spend about four and a half hours in order to finish walking on this route. Like most sections on the Barrow Way, the majority of the eighth section is also comprised of grassy track. If walkers feel a need to enter Bagenalstown, a walk along the canal bank will take them there. The Leighlinbridge is the oldest bridge on the river that dates back to 1320. Going downstream, a hill will become visible after a short distance on the west side of the Leighlinbridge. This hill is known as the Dinn Righ and it is thought to have served as the ancient seat of the Kings of Leinster. Mount Leinster’s magnificent view will once again become visible once walkers have been walking a few minutes out of Leighlinbridge. The west bank of the river is home to the Dionn Ri hill fort.
March 16th, 2007
The seventh section of Barrow Way begins in Carlow and ends when walkers reach Leighlinbridge. This section introduces walkers to the sights and sounds of County Carlow in the Leinster province. This is an easy section with little climbing involved. A distance of eleven kilometres will have to be covered by the walkers on this track. Walkers shouldn’t have much difficulty in completing this walking trail in less than four hours. Almost half of the walking terrain on this route consists of grassy track. This path takes walkers across the county border into County Laois. There is a house called Locks located here where accommodation can be found. The river here is divided by an island adorned with a good number of trees. Once the walkers are past this island, Mount Leinster will come into full view. Walkers will appreciate seeing the Clogrennan Weir here. This weir is a small dam and it is the only naturally occurring one of its kind on the Barrow Way. Walkers can also witness the ruins of Clogrennan Castle on the west bank here. Also located close by is the Cloydagh Church dating back to 1805.
March 15th, 2007
The sixth section of the Barrow Way stretches from Maganey Bridge to Carlow. This section takes walkers on a trek through County Kildare in the Leinster Province. This is an easy walking route spread over a considerable distance of eight and a half kilometres and involves minimal effort since climbing is hardly a necessity on this route. Walkers shouldn’t need more than three hours to finish this route. The majority of this walking route consists of a grassy track. Meganey Bridge on this walking trail dates back to 1790. In Carlow town, walkers will be able to visit the site of Grange Castle. This castle was built on the banks of the Guilic River by the Normans in the 1180’s to fortify the river. Carlow is an excellent base for those interested in exploring the midlands. A good number of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are present here. Those wishing for cheap but quality accommodations can find an independent hostel here.
March 14th, 2007
The fifth section of the Barrow Way takes walkers on a hike from Athy to Maganey Bridge. This section takes the walkers back to County Kildare in the Leinster Province. This route is graded as easy to walk due to the minimal climbing involved here. Walkers will need to cover a distance of about ten kilometres on this route. The estimated time required to complete this walking trail is approximately three and a half hours. Most of the walking terrain on this route is composed of grassy track. The lock gate at the 28th Lock must be crossed with the utmost care to avoid any unfortunate accidents. White’s Castle dating from 1506 is located beside the Athy Bridge. The thirteenth century Woodstock Castle is also located not far away from here. Walkers can visit a Celtic ring fort near the Tankardstown Bridge. After passing the railway bridge, walkers will find themselves on a path following the canal. There is an island here between the canal and the river. Thistle is abundant on this island. The canal is brimming with goldfinches and reed warblers. There is a bridge providing access to the island. While walking towards Levittstown Lock, walkers will enjoy the boreen where lots of young trees can be found by the canal side. Those interested in architecture will surely love the Meganey Bridge that is made from stone and features seven arches.
March 13th, 2007
The fourth section of the Barrow Way involves trekking on the route located between Vicarstown and Athy. This section of the walking path is located in County Laois in the eastern region of the province of Leinster. The route is quite easy to complete and extends over a distance of eleven kilometres. Steep climbing is pretty much non existent on this track. Walkers should expect to spend three and a half hours walking on this route to finish it. Majority of the walking terrain on this section of the Barrow Way consists of grassy track. Once walkers leave Vicarstown behind, they will be greeted with nice views of Kilteale Hill, Hewson Hill and Bawn Hill. The countryside in this area is fairly flat. The majestically magnificent Bert House can be seen after the walkers are beyond Bert Bridge. This huge Georgian mansion is divided into seven bays.
March 12th, 2007
The third section of the Barrow Way begins from Monasterevin and ends at Vicarstown. Like the previous section, this section is also located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. It’s an easy walking route where climbing is almost non existent. With a distance of twelve kilometres, this walking trail will need about four hours to complete it in its entirety. Most of the surface terrain on this route is covered by grass. The road portions of this track are pretty quiet. The grassy portion of this track begins after crossing Moore’s bridge. Walkers will appreciate leaving the din of the traffic behind and will truly revel in the quiet and serene atmosphere of this grassy path. This portion of the trail is adorned with various floras like daisies, mint and yarrow. Ash, willow and hazel trees are also fairly abundant here. Herons can be heard here from time to time. The ruins of the fortress of Dunamase can also be seen on this route.
March 9th, 2007
The second section of the Barrow Way starts from Rathangan and takes the walkers all the way to Monasterevin. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. It’s an easy route with minimal climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of about ten and a half kilometres on this walking trail. Walkers will need to set aside about three and a half hours out of their schedules to complete this route. The surface terrain of this route mostly consists of grassy track. While walking through Rathangan, walkers can expect to see many Georgian style houses. The fauna on this path consists abundantly of hawks, herons and hares. The towpath gradually gives way to a grassy path with long grass. There are many wildflowers to be found here. However, this path can get pretty wet. Walkers can expect to catch glimpses of Dunmurray Hill, Slieve Bloom Mountains and the cooling tower at Portarlington. Upon reaching Umeras Bridge, walkers will be greeted with views of the Ballythomas Hill and Kilteale Hill towards the southwest. Both of these are limestone hillocks.
March 8th, 2007
The Barrow Way is a walking trail stretching over a pretty long distance of 114km. This route is located between Robertsown and St. Mullins and comprises of ten sections. Each section is supposed to be completed in about half a day. The first section of this trail starts from Robertsown and ends at Rathangan. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. The distance to be covered on this route is pretty long at about fourteen kilometres but due to the almost non existent climbing involved here, this is classified as an easy section for walkers. About four and a half hours should be enough to finish walking this trail. The road portion of this walking section can be busy with traffic so caution is advised. Ballyteigue Castle can be found along this route. Many species of birds can be found along the canal side here. These include hawks, kingfishers and herons. When walkers reach very close to Rathangan, they will get to view the Hill of Allen towards the south. This hill is easily recognizable with a tower at its peak.
March 7th, 2007
For the ninth and final section of the Grand Canal Way, walkers will have to begin their short journey at Armstrong Bridge and keep walking till they reach Shannon Harbour. This section of the walking trail is located in the Leinster province in the county of Offaly. This route is easy and stretches to a distance of about nine and a half kilometres. There isn’t much climbing involved on this route and most walkers shouldn’t need more than three hours to complete this walking path. The walking terrain on this route mostly consists of track. The north bank on this towpath features a lot of trees and hedges where birds can be heard chirping and adding to the peaceful ambience of this charming place. The north bank at Belmont might be a bit boggy so walkers might want to choose the south bank due to its soft bed of grass. Gallen Priory is located on this route. This is a house of Georgian architecture that reeks of Gothic influence. It used to belong to the Armstrong family but these days it has been converted into a convent.
March 5th, 2007
The eighth section of the Grand Canal Way stretches from Pollagh to Armstrong Bridge. This section takes walkers through County Offaly in the eastern province of Leinster. This section is about ten and a half kilometres in length and not too hard on the average walker since there is little or no climbing to do here. Due to the relatively short length of this section, most walkers will easily complete this walking section in about three and a half hours of constant, steady paced walking. The walking terrain on this trail consists of road, track and grassy path. The final part of this section involves walking on a quiet road that will surely please those seeking peace and tranquillity. Pollagh at the beginning of this walking trail might be thought of as a small village but it really is just a scattering of houses on a bog. A little far from Pollagh towards the north, walkers can enjoy the view of the silvery patches of Brosna River amidst green mounds of grass.
March 2nd, 2007
The seventh section of the Grand Canal Way will have walkers exploring the route between Tullamore and Pollagh. This section of the route is also located in County Offaly. The route is easy to navigate and stretches over a relatively long distance of fifteen and a half kilometres. There isn’t much climbing to do on this route so it shouldn’t pose a lot of difficulties for old timers. Four and a half hours will be needed to complete this route. While in Tullamore, the roads can be fairly busy so care is needed while crossing the roads there. Once Tullamore is left behind, the roads become quiet and peaceful, making the trek quite enjoyable. After the walkers are past Rahan, the canal will take them on a pleasant stroll through the countryside. The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre at Bury Quay is worth a visit for those interested in the culture and traditions of this area. Shra Castle, Ballycowan Castle and Rahan churches are all interesting attractions on this walking trail that will appeal greatly to the walkers.
March 1st, 2007
The sixth section of the Grand Canal Way takes walkers on a charming trek through the serene wilderness lying between Daingean and Tullamore. This section of the walking route is located in County Offaly in the Leinster province. There aren’t many difficulties awaiting the walkers on this route. This part of the route stretches over a relatively long distance of fourteen kilometres. This distance involves minimal climbing and requires about four and a half hours to complete it in its entirety. Sections of the road on this walking trail are pretty quiet in general so walkers can look forward to a nice and relaxing walk with minimum disturbances in the peaceful atmosphere. The countryside on this trail is not very populated. This trail follows the canal to Tullamore. Crohan Hill and the towers of Tullamore are some interesting sights that walkers can expect to enjoy during the walk.
February 28th, 2007
The fifth section of the Grand Canal Way starts at George’s Bridge in Edenderry and ends at Daingean. This section of the walking trail is located in County Offaly in the province of Leinster. This section of the walking route is easy and stretches over a relatively long distance of seventeen kilometres. There is not a lot of physical exertion involved on this route because climbing is minimal. Walking at a relaxed pace, most walkers shouldn’t need more than five hours to complete this walking path. The surface terrain of this route consists of road and grassy path. This section takes the walkers along the canal to a countryside that is still untouched by human settlements. This is a deserted and peaceful place where walkers will enjoy the sight of many animals and birds that are rarely seen in populated areas. These animals include otters and buzzards. After the walkers cross the Toberdaly Bridge, they will get to witness a magnificent landscape comprised of peat bog. Also situated near this bridge is the Toberdaly Castle and some other ruins from different time periods that will surely entice those with an interest in exploring historical sites.
February 26th, 2007
Walkers will have to set off on a short journey by foot from Ticknevin to George’s Bridge in Edenderry for experiencing the fourth section of the Grand Canal Way. This section is located in County Kildare in the province of Leinster. This is an easy walking route with minimal amount of climbing. Walkers will have to walk over a distance of eight kilometres on this route. It shouldn’t take more than three hours on this route from start to finish. Most of the walking surface on this route is composed of peat. After crossing Ticknevin bridge, walkers will walk through complete wilderness and won’t see another house for almost seven kilometres. After reaching Ticknevin Lock, there is a grassy path along the canal where walkers will walk through gorse bushes and reeds. The coniferous forest here sees a lot of activity from wildlife during the summer and spring. Some of the animals found here include pheasants, foxes and ducks. The western end of the coniferous forest is the location for the ruins of Blundells Castle. A church tower and a water tower can also be seen here.
February 23rd, 2007
The third section of the Grand Canal Way is located between Robertsown and Ticknevin. This section is situated in County Kildare in the Leinster province of Ireland. This is an easy walking route with minimum climbing involved. This route is spread over a distance of twelve kilometres. It should take walkers about four hours to finish walking on this trail. On this track, walkers can expect to find both road and grassy path as the walking surface. Shee Bridge is quite notable as the only bridge on this walking trail that features an oblique arch. This bridge is locally referred to as the Scow Bridge. From Shee Bridge, walkers are advised to take extreme care while navigating the road as parts of it can be very busy. Walkers will come across a beautiful cottage at Lowtown Marina. After that, walkers will be treated to gorgeous views of the legendary Hill of Allen. The track ahead is mostly populated by grass and shrubs.
February 22nd, 2007
The second section of the Grand Canal Way is comprised of the route lying between Sallins and Robertsown. This section of the walking trail is situated in County Kildare in the Leinster province of Ireland. The difficulty of this route is graded to be easy. This section of the walking path is stretched over a distance of twelve kilometres. There is very little climbing involved on this path so it should not take walkers more than four hours to complete this route. Walkers may need to cross stiles on this route. Care should be exercises here because the timber can be slippery when wet. The quay or wharf in Sallins is a pleasant place adorned with flower beds. Once the walkers are past the Leinster Aqueduct, they will find that the canal introduces them to the freshness of open countryside. The Hill of Downings can be viewed at the 18th Lock while the hills of Kildare will attract the attention of the walkers on the 19th Lock. Landenstown House and Robertsown Hotel are places on this route that warrant a visit.
February 21st, 2007
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