Get Your Steps in: The Best Walking Trails of Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway, located in the southeast of Ireland, is a popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The greenway is a 46km off-road trail that follows an old railway line, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, coastal views, and historic sites. This article will take you through the best walking trails of Waterford Greenway, which provide a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Walking is one of the easiest and most affordable forms of exercise, and it has numerous health benefits. Waterford Greenway provides an ideal location for walkers to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. The greenway has several walking trails that offer different levels of difficulty and stunning views.
About Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway is a 46km off-road trail that follows the old railway line from Waterford to Dungarvan, passing through beautiful countryside, historic sites, and coastal views. It opened in 2017 and has become a popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The greenway has five main access points with free carpark facilities: Waterford, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, Durrow, and Dungarvan.
Benefits of Walking
Walking is a low-impact exercise that has many health benefits, including:
- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Helps with weight management by burning calories.
- Improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Boosts energy levels.
- Improves sleep quality.
Trail 1: Dungarvan to Clonea
The Dungarvan to Clonea trail is 10km long and provides stunning views of the Waterford coast and the Comeragh Mountains. The trail starts at Walton Park in Dungarvan and ends at Clonea Strand, passing through the village of Abbeyside. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all levels of fitness.
Trail 2: Clonea to Durrow
The Clonea to Durrow trail is 11km long and follows the old railway line from Clonea to Durrow, passing nearby the villages of Ballinroad and Ballinacourty. The trail offers stunning views of the coast and the countryside, including the iconic Copper Coast. The trail is mostly flat but has some inclines and is suitable for moderate fitness levels.
Trail 3: Durrow to Kilmacthomas
The Durrow to Kilmacthomas trail is 13km long and offers stunning views of the Suir Valley and the Comeragh Mountains. The trail starts at Durrow Station and ends at Kilmacthomas, passing through the village of Stradbally. The trail is mostly flat, with some inclines, and is suitable for moderate fitness levels. While in the stunning village Kilmacthomas, be sure to do the Steps Back Thru Time guided walking experience.
Trail 4: Kilmacthomas to Kilmeaden
The Kilmacthomas to Kilmeaden trail is 11km long and offers stunning views of the countryside, including the stunning FairBrook House and Gardens. The trail starts at Kilmacthomas and ends at Kilmeaden Railway station
Trail 5: Kilmeaden railway station to Bilberry
The Kilmeaden to Bilberry trail is 11km long and offers photogenic views of the suir river, including the stunning Mount Congreve House and Gardens. The trail starts at Kilmeaden railway station with its delicious treats and beverages at the Whistlestop cafe and ends at the greenway carpark in Bilberry. Passing by Carriganore flyover leading to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at Beechhouse.
