[Video] Best foot forward for Skibb's walking festival

Skibbereen and District Chamber of Commerce have organised the region’s first ever walking festival for the weekend of September 23rd and 24th with something to suit all abilities.

Helen Dempsey, chairperson of the Skibbereen Chamber said: ‘We are very proud to launch this festival, which features seven walks of varying degrees of difficulty, so it should have widespread appeal. ‘With more and more visitors coming to West Cork to enjoy its beautiful walking routes – both inland and coastal – the festival is timely and should grow into a popular annual event,’ she added.

It is a case of best foot forward for the festival because the first walk at 9.30am on Saturday morning is a 12km walk along quiet country roads from Lough Hyne to Ballylinchy, and then along a cliff top, which offers spectacular views of the shore, from Trafraska to the Beacon in Baltimore.

The meeting point for most of the walks will be the Heritage Centre in Skibbereen. There is no charge for four of the seven walks, but there will a minimal charge of €10 for bus fares for three of the walks, which includes post-walk refreshments. Helen said: ‘We would encourage anyone – locals or tourists – to pick up a copy of our brochure, which is readily available at the Tourist Office in North Street, or to check out the programme at www.skibbereen.ie.

‘This event is kindly sponsored by Skibbereen Credit Union and Cork County Council, who recognise the importance of promoting healthy, out-door activities that showcase the beauty of our town and district.’

View the full programme here.