Boyne Ramparts Walk: A path flowing with the river

By Eoin Ryan

For those who crave a river view while strolling down gravel paths, the Boyne Ramparts Walk gives just that with derelict buildings and ducks included. Its very beginning is a perfect spot for people off work or school in Navan to take a break and relax while taking in the River Boyne. It is advertised as 8 kilometres from one end to another but seems much longer as the signs indicating distance how far key positions were. One particular area was apparently one and a half kilometres long but took over half an hour to walk.

I would not recommend going its full stretch and back unless you are in very good shape or its walk back will be draining. For more athletic types or those wanting to get in shape, it is one of the best areas to do so if you want a great view as well. It is a bit difficult to measure the distance, however, so using a run or walk tracker might be needed if using the pathway for fitness.

A long stretch of the walk, however, is inaccessible to those with wheelchairs due to barriers in place which are meant to block cyclists but fail to do so. There are limited exits, one at either side, which means going back down the same path that can be disinteresting for some.

There are several benches along the way for those wanting to take a breather or who want to simply take in all of its surrounding scenery. Some open spaces for resting on the ground are also available, be it in shade under trees or in open space taking in those Summer rays.

In terms of scenery, its greatest highlights have to be its derelict buildings scattered across its length and the River Boyne itself flowing alongside its tracks.

Ducks and other aquatic wildlife follow the river at every point with some resting on branches sticking out of its stream.

Having an entrance near Navan centre makes it easy to access anyone living in its vicinity or working in town with another available at Drogheda. It is easy to recommend this to anyone looking for some peace and quiet or a nice spot to exercise who live or work in Navan or Drogheda or its surrounding areas.