The Duhallow Way Challenge Continues

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

We tackled the next section of the Duhallow on Wednesday June 28th and picked up right from where we left off at the Slyguddal. This section of the trail brought us along the foothills of Kncoknabro and over to Awnaskirtawn.

Last time, I said that the first section of the trail under the Paps is one of the most spectacular parts, but with the blooming heather and fading sun, the scenery on this section of the walk on Wednesday rivalled the last.

One of the nicest elements of this short stretch is the variety of terrain that one encounters; steep fern covered hillside, to soft mossy open hillside, to thick forestry and then open farmland, this 2.6km section of the Duhallow Way has it all. Due to the short but steep incline at the start of the walk this section is graded strenuous, however, the group took it all in their stride and trudged up the hill and along the foothills.

After crossing the stream at Awnaskirtawn, we were met by a group of inquisitive cattle who watched us until we reached the path. From here, some members of the group continued back to the cars via the road, while the remainder went back the way we came.

As we walked back along the base of Knocknabro, the Paps came into sight, looking just as majestic from this angle as every other! At the cars, we were greeted by steaming cups of tea and coffee, and just as the pack of biscuits was passed around, those who walked back via the road appeared.

For anyone who wants to do this walk themselves, you can park at Shrone Lake, there is a pull in for cars just after the gate (A on the map), please make sure you close the gate after yourself, and you can join the Duhallow Way from there. As you walk towards Shrone lake, you will see Duhallow Way way-markers going up to the left, follow these waymarkers across the open hillside and you will arrive at Awnaskirtawn (B on the map), this leg is 2.6km (marked pink on the map). From here, personally I like to go back the way I came and see the vista from a different angle, making the over and back walk 5.2km in total.

However if you go left down the track at Awnaskirtawn (at B) you will join the main road. Go left again and continue until you see the finger pointer pointing left to Shrone Lake (C on the map), follow this and you’ll end up back at your car. This loop is 7.3km in total (pink, joins with orange).

The IRD Walking group will be continuing with the Duhallow Way Challenge on Wednesday 26th of July at 7pm. We will be walking from Awnaskirtawn over along the Caherbarnagh section of the trail. This walk is graded strenuous, the entirety of this section is offroad on open mountainside, with uneven terrain and wet patches. Meeting at Shrone Church at 7pm. The walk is free but registration is essential, to register please call Alannah on 029-60633.