Walking guides add to Fastnet Trails

SCHULL’S new walking guide was launched  on Monday by the minister responsibility for local government, Denis Naughten and it’s described as a great way to explore the area.

Tom McCarthy, who is a member of Schull Walks Committee – a subcommittee of the Schull and District Community Council – told The Southern Star: ‘We have been working on the walks for a couple of years. They are an extension of the existing Fastnet Trails, which start in Lisheen and work their way into Schull via the Old Butter Road.

‘There are six new loop walks off the Fastnet Trails in the new brochure, but we are planning extending another linear walk on the Fastnet Trail – from Lisheen to Toormore – before the end of the summer.

‘This is a fantastic way for people to see West Cork and everyone who has walked them are stunned by the beautiful scenery.

‘Year on year, we can see the increase in interest in walking tourism – about a quarter to one third of the people who call into the Tourist Office in Schull ask about walks in the locality.’

The brochure is available in tourist offices in Schull, Goleen, Ballydehob, Bantry and Skibbereen, as well as local shops, hotels and businesses.

On behalf of the committee, Mr McCarthy said: ‘We are eternally grateful to the rural recreation officer with West Cork Development Partnership, Patricia Bevan, whose help and expertise has been fantastic.

‘We are also extremely grateful to the local landowners – without them it would not be possible.’