Beautiful coastal routes planned for the Ardara Walking Festival

Plans are well underway for the Ardara Walking Festival, and trekkers can look forward to two very beautiful coastal routes.

There will be two different levels of difficulty. Day one will be a moderate to difficult route for experienced walkers, while day two’s walk is classed as easy to moderate.

Organisers said: “The second day walk is a lovely way to unwind after the more strenuous day one.”

Schedule:

Friday, March 17: Registration in the Heritage Centre Ardara from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Fee: €25 euro for one walk or €40 for two walks.

Day 1 - Saturday, March 18 - Moderate to difficult walk - length will vary.

Coastal walk ascending from Maghera onto Sliabh Tuaidh. Spectacular hike with beautiful views of Maghera, Loughros Point, Dawros Bay and the surrounding areas. Ground can be difficult and steep in places, for experienced hikers only. Possibility of extending the walk to Loch na Luchraman depending on the day, descending past the beautiful Assaranca waterfall. Bus pick-up from Ardara Town car park behind Nancy’s Bar at 9am or parking at Maghera car park with the hike leaving from there at 9.30am.

Day 2 – Sunday, March 19 - Easy to moderate walk, 10km to 12km

A beautiful coastal walk, with some spectacular views and amazing flora and fauna, from Sandfield along Ballinreavey strand towards Trawmore strand and returning to Sandfield. Bus pick-up from Ardara town car park behind Nancy’s Bar at 10am, making it back in time for the parades in Ardara.

Housekeeping: 

Buses will be available for both hikes with travel times less than 15 minutes but walkers can drive to the start points themselves if they so choose.

Moderate to difficult hike for experienced hikers only.

Children are welcome on the easy to moderate walk (Sunday) as long as they are accompanied by an adult and are capable of the distance.

Necessary gear for all walks:

Small rucksack

Good walking boots

Rain gear (no jeans please)

Spare warm clothes

Warm drink and food

Personal medication and first aid kit

Further Information

Visit the Walk on the Wild Side Facebook Page or phone Kevin on 087 6734875 for further information.