Proposed Inishowen Way
The Need
- Inishowen appears to be the only area in the Republic without a significant trail. (See map of National Trails on right)
- Lack of tourists to this part of Ireland, and those who do come, have few quality walks. Access to countryside is perceived as a problem by visitors to Ireland, so those who do come, feel safer on an agreed path.
- Whilst there are many attractions in the Peninsula, they are , individually, not enough to attract walkers from elsewhere. Linked together, the quality of the package would be formidable. The Inishowen 100, whilst suitable for motorists, is not suitable for walkers.
- The trail would link existing paths, (already popular with locals), and most of the major features of the Peninsula.
- The element of challenge is missing from existing walks, and there is great potential from charity/fundraising events, long distance running events etc
- There is a need for accommodation, hotel/B&B/hostel/campsite and provision shopping, with opportunities for local wealth creation, but most of it is already in place!
- This walk is similar in quality and nature to the highly successful Dingle Way, in the compact nature of the Peninsula, and the number and quality of the attractions within a relatively small area.
- We could have Malin Head as a "Headline" (and heretofore unexploited) attraction.
- In these stringent times, costs could be kept to a minimum by restricting signage to paint flashes, simple yellow topped posts etc. and promotion to be initially website based. Ask walking magazines to come and write about it.
- It could form the basis of guided holidays.
- Venue for Duke of Ed, President’s award , type youth activities.
- Annual Events, a race?
- Part of the route could be cycled, with cycle hire locally, and designated drop off points at approved accommodation.
- Incentive to reclaim overgrown coastal paths eg Linsfort, Urris, Glengad, Dunmore, Inishowen Head.
Access
Every effort is being made to avoid contentious areas but it must be borne in mind that virtually anywhere you step off the road in Ireland, you are legally trespassing, whether you are on private land or commonage. In effect, problems are relatively rare, as most farmers and landowners are hospitable, courteous people, and it is important to keep it that way by respecting them, their property, and abiding by the principles of ‘Leave no Trace’.
Dogs are great companions during a walk, but can cause problems for/with landowners. If you must take one, make sure it is kept on a lead anywhere there might be livestock.
It is also important to be aware of the situation regarding liability. No one within the Irish legal system has ever successfully sued a landowner for any injury or damage arising from anything 'natural' on his land (or walls or fences either) and several speculative claims have been rejected, so legal precedent is clear, it simply will not happen! Spurious claims cause scare stories, and result in access problems, so don’t even think about it!
The researched "Ideal Route" took 7 days, but one of the most attractive sections around the Malin Head area, will have to be deferred due to a small number of crucial landowners refusing access along their section of the coastline. The proposed "Way" has therefore been reduced to five days, going directly from Malin Town to Culdaff. This is disappointing not only for walkers, but for hospitality providers in the Ballygorman area, and for those landowners who went to the trouble of providing an obstacle free route along side their farming area.
Equipment/Experience
Whilst many sections of the "Way" are on beaches, minor roads and well established trails, there are others over open hillside/along cliff edges, and the weather in Inishowen can by very fickle. Walkers should be properly equipped with robust footwear, warm, waterproof clothing, and carry adequate food and water for their needs. They also should have, and be able to read, an ordnance survey map, and use a compass and/or GPS.
Access problems can suddenly appear, however, so if you do come across a problem, ‘back off’ immediately, and let us know (see Contact section) and we will attempt to resolve the situation.
Signage
As this is only a "Proposed" trail, there is no signage as yet. This walk is supposed to be challenging, not only in respect of physical effort, but the walker will be expected to be able to read a map, and preferably use a compass and/or GPS, for which grid references are supplied in the route description.
Walk Profile
| Day 1 | Buncrana to Dunree. Initially a concrete coastal path, then beaches, narrow grassy track, small amount of rocky beach, quiet country lanes. | 3½ - 4 hours. | Details | |||
| Day 2 | Dunree to Clonmany. Slightly exposed clifftop path, beach, shallow river crossing, rough tracks, scree ascent, heathery hillside, boggy tracks over col. | 4 - 4½ hours | Details | |||
| Day 3 | Clonmany to Culdaff. Beaches, rough tracks, hillside ascent, cart track, hillside descent, minor coastal road, cycle. | 5 hours. | Details | |||
| Day 4 | Culdaff to Tremone. Quiet roads, rough ground, rockyshore, beach/sandhills, footpath, quiet lanes. | 3-3.5 hours | Details | |||
| Day 5 | Tremone to Moville. Quiet roads, beaches, wooded tracks, cart tracks, steep grassy slope, coastal footpath. | 5 hours. | Details |