OUTDOORS No excuse for walkers this weekend

DECISIONS, DECISIONS Walkers can choose from the Boheh Stone Walking Festival and the Clogher Bog Walk this weekend.

Calling all walkers


Ciara Moynihan

Would-be walkers have no excuses this weekend – not even the weather. Two different public walking events are taking place, and both offer stunning views, a chance to learn about the environment and heritage, and options to suit all levels.
First up is the Boheh Stone Walking Festival. Organised by the Croagh Patrick Hertage Trail as part of Heritage Week 2012 (August 18 to 26), the two-day festival takes place this Friday, August 24, and Saturday, August 25. Walkers are invited to join local archaeologists and walking guides for an exploration of ancient Neolithic sites along the trail, the rolling sun phenomenon and folklore and heritage stories.
On the Friday evening, walkers will learn about the neolithic Rock of Boheh and (weather permitting) see the rolling sun, where the sun appears to roll down the slope of Croagh Patrick. This phenomenon happens twice a year – on April 18 and on August 24. Not only is it quite the sight to behold, the theories surrounding rolling sun and the Boheh Stone are intriguing.
The Friday evening walk is a moderate-level, but it is just 2 kilometres long. Walkers are asked to meet and register at Brackloon Community Centre (four miles out the Westport/Leenane road) at 7pm.
On Saturday, the walking festival ups its ante with a 19km guided heritage walk from Aughagower to Murrisk. This is a challenging walk (not suitable for children under 16) but it offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. There’ll even be a demonstration of the traditional sport of road bowling thrown in! Walking gear is essential, and bring a packed lunch to keep you going.
If you’re up for the challenge, meet at Murrisk car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick at 8.30am. Transport will be provided to the start point at Aughagower Community Centre.
The second walking event, which takes place this Sunday, August 26, is organised by Clogher Environmental Group. All interested walkers are invited to join the group which plans to amble the 8km, looped Clogher Bog Walk. There are many Cloghers scattered throughout Mayo, but this one is found mid south of the county, between Castlebar, Ballinrobe and Claremorris
Following quiet country lanes and bog roads, this undemanding walk is perfect for beginners and can be enjoyed by people of almost all ages and levels of fitness. Starting from Clogher Heritage Centre (follow the signs from Ballintubber Abbey), walkers will first encounter bog track, with information boards describing native trees found along the trail.  While some locals still cut turf here, the area has become a haven for wildlife in recent years as large areas become overgrown.
Walkers will then pass through farmland and a beautiful hazelwood, which also forms part of the  Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail (the full 61km of which runs from Balla to Murrisk). The Reek is visible to the west during the last leg of the walk back to the heritage centre, while the Partry and Nephin Mountains will wink in an out of view in the distance. 
Walkers are asked to meet at the Clogher Heritage Centre, at 11am. Please note that dogs are not allowed through the farmland section, as there are cattle and sheep. Walkers who do have dogs can just do the bog section – turn right after exiting the bog to get back to the centre.

Walkers taking part in the Boheh Stone Walking Festival will be asked to pay €5. For further information and registration, contact Mairead or Pat at 094 9360891, email:info@croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com, visit www.croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com or follow Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail on Facebook.
For more information on this Sunday’s Clogher Bog Walk, contact Tom McLoughlin at clogherenvigroup@eircom.net or 094 9360891.