Travel
On the greenway bike trail The 42km Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The Greenway is a traffic free cycling and walking trail which follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937. greenway.ie
Lorna Hogg features some of the cycle greenways which seem to be appearong all over the country We are lucky to live in a country in which it is possible to keep fit whilst enjoying beautiful countryside – and thanks to the growth of cycleways, what better way is there to enjoy the views than by bike? The variety of available greenways, tracks and gradients is as varied as the range of scenery – and they are just the places to relax and enjoy socially distanced breaks. From riverside boardwalks to tracks across bogs or forest parks; from hairpin mountain climbs to reclaimed railway routes this country is the ideal place to `get on yer bike..’ The first thing to consider is your fitness level – and realise that there is a cycle track for everyone. Do you happily cycle on public roads, or prefer smooth tarmac traffic free greenways, ? Do you enjoy the challenge of mountain inclines – or forest paths? Are you familiar with mountain bikes, classic roadsters – or do you feel most comfortable with the basic bikes of childhood? Next – how do you want to travel? Do you want to bring your bike with you, via the train or on your car, or hire at your destination? Are you looking for a day’s outing, a short break or to train for some serious cycling trips? Do you want to go alone or with a family member or partner? Is cycling the main consideration, or do you want to combine it with sightseeing? What follows is a selection of some of the options available all round the country. The Boyne Greenway This is a 2 km track, including sections of pleasant boardwalk, greenway and cycletrack, along the south bank section of the river and canal, running from Drogheda to the Battle of The Boyne Centre at Oldbridge. Perfect for cycling `newbies’, it takes you to the entrance of Centre, at Oldbridge House. Once there, you don’t have to be an history buff to the enjoy the displays, the battlefield site – and the excellent cafe. Pre-booking for the tour is necessary. bestwalks.ie discoverboynevalley.ie battle of the boyne.ie The Carlingford Greenway Part of the Great Eastern Greenway, its 7 kms of old railway track provides a moderate cycling challenge, running from Omeath to Carlingford. 68 Senior Times l September - October 2020 l www.seniortimes.ie
There are truly beautiful views in this legend rich area, including the myth filled Cooley Mountains, from where legendary Finn McCool tossed the Cloughmore boulder across the Lough to Rostrevor Forest Park. An added attraction is the ferry, (check website for details) with a 15 minute trip from Greenore to Greencastle. www.carlingfordloughgreenway.ie www.carlingfordferry.com The Newry Canal Greenway The 29 kms route covers the old railway line from Portadown to Newry. One ideal stretch for visitors is the 2 kms Portadown to Scarva route, along the old canal, built to carry linen and coal for export. Start from Portadown, which has train links, and cycle through the peaceful unchanged canalside countryside to Moneypenny’s Lock, Craigavon, Another mile takes you to Scarva, which has 4 train connections per day on the Portadown/ Newry line. cycleni.com Arthur’s Way A flat and scenic rural route, it takes in the history of Arthur Guinness and the story of Guinness, over its 16 kms in Kildare. The trail starts at the junction of the rivers Liffey and Rye, at Leixlip. It then moves to Celbridge, where Arthur learned the brewing trade from his father, and is of course, also home to Castletown House. The Lyons Estate is en route, as well as Hazelhatch, where the Guinness barges started for Dublin. The trail ends at Oughterard, where Arthur is buried. The route takes in footpaths and tracks, with short spells on roads. Whilst county lockdown has ended at time of going to press, check latest details before travel. www.intokildare.ie Waterford Greenway This 46 kms route, is based on yet another old railway – the defunct Waterford to Dungarvan line. Divided into six sections, ranging from 3kms to 13 kms, it is justifiably popular, for its views and also old railway structures. The Kilmeaden section passes by Mount Congreve, one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens, famed for its spring blooms. The Greenway has spendid views, eleven bridges and three viaducts, and railway buffs love the `spooky’ 400m tunnel at Ballyvoyle, on the Durrow section. waterfordgreenway.com
