Walks Scheme / Outdoor Recreation

Rural Recreation Programme

Introduction

County Wicklow is fortunate to be one of the 12 areas in the country to have been allocated the services of a Rural Recreation Officer to support the expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities in County Wicklow for residents and tourists alike. The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland and Wicklow County Council.

Main Aims & Activities

To implement the Walks Scheme in County Wicklow
To coordinate and oversee the management and enhancement of trails in the county
To assist local communities developing new routes
To assist in the marketing and promotion of other trails in the region

Walks Scheme

This is a national scheme through which landowners are paid to maintain and upgrade nationally approved walks on private land.

The Walks Scheme has been rolled out on the Wicklow Way and 4 local routes.

Payments to all landowners for maintenance is made on a 6 month basis

Walks Development

The County Wicklow Partnership Rural Recreation Officer has been involved in a pilot Walkers Welcome Initiative in Tinahely in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland. The aim of the project is to work with the Tinahely Area Development group in the development of the area as an ideal tourist base and a hub for walking holidays. Building on the success of Tinahely Railway Walk (flat walk) 3 new looped walks have been developed ranging from easy to difficult with a total length of 31km. The loops are:- Mangan’s Lane 5 km, Ballycumber 10 km and Kyle 16 km.

Contact Details

For further information, or if you would like to develop a walk in your local area, contact:

Bryan Fennell

County Wicklow Partnership

Avoca River House, Bridgewater Centre, Arklow,

Co. Wicklow.

Email: bfennell@wicklowpartnership.ie

Mobile: 087 608 0891