NEWS ARTICLE

Walking in the Burren – come and be a part of it
Recent months have seen major developments in the provision of new walking routes and associated structures and services in the Burren. Supplementing the existing network of green roads and local walking guides, these new walks, festivals and organisations offer something for everyone.

The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club is one of Ireland’s leading walking clubs which organise weekly walks within the Burren and beyond for their members as well as an annual Burren Marathon www.ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com/

The National Parks and Wildlife Service have opened a number of walking routes in the Burren National Park, some of which scale the magnificent Mullaghmore hill affording spectacular views of the National Park, Lough Gealain and the Burren wetlands to the east. www.burrennationalpark.ie/ for info.

Burrenbeo Trust organizes monthly educational walks which offer an opportunity for Burren enthusiasts of all ages to share their love of the Burren. The walks are usually led by a local farmer in conjunction with a Burren specialist – for example this month’s walk features botanist Dr. Stephen Ward with Michael Keane. Talks take place on the first Sunday of every month trust@burrenbeo.com

A number of waymarked looped walking routes are now available for visitors:
Ballyvaughan: www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/LoopWalks/TrailName,8604,en.html
Blackhead:
www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/LoopWalks/TrailName,8611,en.html
Carron: www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/LoopWalks/TrailName,7507,en.html
Caher Valley:
www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/LoopWalks/TrailName,7510,en.html

In addition to these looped walks there is the spectacular Burren Way long-distance  walk: www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/WaymarkedWays/TrailName,5791,en.html

Walkers Welcome: The Burren village of Ballyvaughan has joined Tinahely (Wicklow), Donegal Town, the Slieve Blooms and the Glen of Aherlow in Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Walkers Welcome Initiative’. Up to 20 community business and voluntary interests are already involved in the Walkers Welcome in the Burren. This initiative aims to raise the standard of service visitors can expect from their walking holiday in Ireland.  To this end a “Walkers Welcome charter' has been developed to highlight the commitment from the local community and tourism providers to offer the best walking experience possible in the area by offering:
•Guaranteed regular maintenance and upkeep of local walks; 
•A local walking officer offering assistance and advice;
•Walks information, including mapboards and signage,
•Local Walkers Welcome approved accommodation;
•Local amenities committed to providing walker friendly service in shops (e.g. packed lunches)

Burren Peaks Walking Festival. The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club have announced a weekend walking festival in the Burren this September 25th to 27th. The Burren Peaks Walking Festival offers guided hill and lowland walks varying in distance and grade catering for all walkers. Grade A, B and C walks will be organised for both days, including some spectacular day long hikes. This festival is made possible by the goodwill of the local landowners who have given the Ballyvaughan-Fanore Walking Club permission to cross their property for the event. More info: www.burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com by phone 087 2691147 or e–mail: info@ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com.