by Sandra Flynn
The winter solstice has passed, there is a ‘stretch in the evenings’, spring bulbs are already blooming and Operation Transformation is on television. Our thoughts are turning to spring and getting out and about. Still with me, then read on…
Three waymarked walking routes were launched in Skibbereen in March 2018, having been developed by Skibbereen Tidy Towns with support from Cork County Council and West Cork Development Partnership. They consist of three interlinked walks that meander around historic sights in the town, and manageable climbs of the surrounding hills that provide wonderful views of the town and the River Ilen.
Compass Loop Walk is a moderate walk, according to the brochure, a little over 5km in distance with a total climb of 50m that should take somewhere between 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. On a sunny September day a friend and I decided to follow the route and we were rewarded with the promised views. Being such a fine day and considering ourselves to be fairly fit, we stepped it out and managed to complete the walk well within the guideline time.
Abbey Loop walk is a little over 4km in distance mostly along quiet country roads and the Ilen riverside walk from Newbridge to Blackthorn that makes up part of the Sli na Slainte route established a number of years ago, and still popular with walkers today. It was a late October day that was more summer than autumn-like that we decided to tackle this walk. I think in this case a picture (or two or three) can tell a thousand words and reflect what a lovely walk this is in a much better way.
Rock Loop walk is one of the most interesting from a heritage perspective since the route takes the walker past two old burial grounds, Kilmahon and Abbeymahon and the Windmill Rock, site of pre-famine houses. It will be amazing to see this area developed in the future but for now, please exercise caution and do not walk any dogs here since broken glass from alcohol litter is an issue on Chapel Lane and the Rock itself, despite the best efforts of civic minded individuals and volunteers.
Please note that for the most part, since these walks are all on public roads, please exercise caution and wear bright coloured clothing or a high-vis vest.
Having read this far we would like to ask a favour. If you see litter while out walking, please don’t walk past it. Even a single piece of litter removed from the roadside helps.
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If you are interested in becoming involved with Skibbereen Tidy Towns please contact us at 087 622 0132 or by email at SkibbereenTidyTowns@icloud.com. Upcoming volunteering events are posted in advance on our social media channels.
Featured image pictured at Skibbereen Heritage Centre, trailhead for all Skibbereen Walks.
Skibbereen Tidy Towns 