Join a spectacular Mayo walk for a worthy cause

With the winter almost behind us, it’s time to start thinking about the spring and – dare we say it? – the long summer days to follow.

But the good folks who maintain and promote the beautiful Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail have had these longer, drier days on their minds for a while now. They have been busy organising their annual charity fundraiser, the popular Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival, and they have just announced the date: Saturday, May 10 – outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers take note!

Walkers are invited to enjoy the Aughagower to Murrisk section of the trail, which comes in at a healthy 20 kilometres. Proceeds from the event will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice, which provides such incredibly meaningful support to our communities, and which has also committed to building a much-needed children’s hospice facility here in the west.

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival has built a reputation as a great-value and fun day out. On the morning of the walk, participants can avail of bus transport to the start of the walk at Aghagower Community Center, where morning tea and a scone await. Refreshments will also be available at the midway point, and a very welcome barbecue will be provided at the finish point in the beautiful seaside village of Murrisk. All of this for a registration fee of €29.50 in support of a cause.

Walkers will also have the services of knowledgeable and helpful guides along the route (though people can travel at their own pace if they prefer).

There’s a wide range of natural and built heritage to be enjoyed along the festival’s section of the trail. Those interested in history and archaeology might like to explore historical Aghagower, stop off at the Boheh Stone or rest a while at Murrisk Abbey, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy flower-filled lanes and lively birdsong amid some of the most beautiful scenery and landscapes this county has to offer. All will enjoy the magnificent views of Clew Bay on the final leg of this spectacular hike.

“The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a 60k National Waymarked Trail that runs from Balla in central south Mayo to Murrisk. The entire trail is completely free to access and normally takes three days to complete,” explains coordinator Tom McLoughlin. “We used to walk the entire trail over our festival weekend, but this one-day format is very well supported.”

He adds: “We look forward to sharing this part of our route with friends both old and new, while helping everyone to see what this part of the country has to offer and raising funds for a very worthwhile cause in the process.”

• See www.cpht.ie or the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Facebook page for further details. Register in advance on Eventbrite (booking fee may apply), or email info@cpht.ie with any queries.