Introduction
Still
canal waters form liquid roads across seventy-five miles of Co.
Kildare. Rich in reminders of when the canals were a transport
artery and a corridor of social contact the canal network is now
one of the county’s most valued assets, appreciated for its
contribution both to the natural environment and the built heritage
of the county. Although artificial in construction the canals
complemented rather than dominated nature and their waters and
banks sustain plant life, fish, birds and mammals in a habitat
of attractive diversity.
Before
You Start
An
attractive feature of the canal bank long distance walking routes
is that they can be enjoyed by people of virtually all ages and
levels of fitness. With no hills and many landmarks there
is little risk of becoming tired or lost. As the towpaths
parallel the waterway they are self-guiding and do not demand
the fitness required for long distance walk routes in remote and
mountainous areas. That said, a degree of preparation is
important for comfort and enjoyment.
Planning
Your Route
These
pages describe the best route along the canal bank for walkers.
It should be noted the underfoot conditions along any given
stretch can be variable ranging form a narrow grassy track to
a surfaced public road. In this text we have indicated significant
changes in the towpath characteristics but remember that
factors such as weather or canal engineering works can change
a normally accessible grassy bank into a difficult muddy stretch.
Footwear appropriate to the time of year is important.
There
are some seventy miles of canal channel wholly within Co.Kildare.
These pages describe three major sections: the Royal Canal;
the Grand Canal (main line); and the Barrow Line. It divides
the latter two into shorter sections of about eight to thirteen
miles in length which will help with walk planning. A walking
pace of about three miles per hour (five kilometres per hour)
is a good planning average.
The
towpaths can be tackled in all but the severest of weather.
Do remember that sections on the bog ramparts have little shelter
so in bad weather conditions warm clothing is a must. Do
take along a flask and sandwiches because some of the more remote
stretches have little in the way of shops. Finally keep
a close eye on
children near water such as the lock chambers and also on the
public road sections of the route.
Transport
Public
transport services close to the canals in the county are variable.
The Royal Canal towns of Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock are well
served by city bus, long-distance bus and commuter rail making
it quite possible to make a Leixlip/Kilcock walk without having
to retrace your steps.
A
commuter rail service parallel to the Grand Canal from Celbridge/Hazelhatch
to Sallins/Naas stations allows a lengthy section of towpath to
be tackled. Beware that commuter services do not run on
Sundays.
West
of Sallins public transport options are sparse but Allenwood Cross,
Edenderry, Monastervin and Athy have bus connections while Athy
is also served by rail. A careful study of the transport
company timetables will be necessary to get the best out
of your walk the entire network is open to you as this solves
the problem of the linear nature of the routes.
Special thanks to County Kildare VEC for the use
of the text.
For more information contact
County Kildare Vocational Education Committee,
VEC Office, Newbridge Road, Naas, Co Kildare, Rep of Ireland.
