Whether you are an experienced hill walker or someone who just enjoys a casual stroll, Foxford is the place to be next weekend. Foxford Walking Festival takes place on Saturday August 29 and Sunday August 30, with this year’s festival coinciding with Foxford Riverfest which will provide a wide range of entertainment over the weekend. The Walking Festival comprises six organised walks led by experienced leaders. The walks are graded hard, moderate and easy to suit all levels of fitness. Appropriate clothing and footwear is, however, required.
On Saturday, the hard walk is a climb of majestic Nephin, which dominates the North Mayo landscape with return transport provided from Foxford. The moderate walk starts from Foxford Sports and Leisure Centre and takes walkers along country roads to Tavanaghmore, offering magnificent views over Loughs Conn and Cullin, and back to Foxford. Meanwhile, less adventurous walkers can enjoy an easy stroll along the River Moy, towards Rinnaney Village, offering views of the Ox Mountains, and back to Foxford.
On Sunday, the hard walk will take walkers onto the Ox Mountains via an old Staighre (a stone stepped track used in bygone days to transport turf from the mountain ) and returning via another ancient mountain track. Return bus transport provided. The easy walk will proceed along the River Moy to Cloongee, returning by bus, while the moderate walk will continue, taking in the Farmers Road and historic Deer Park before returning to the Riverfest Village. For details and visit www.foxfordwalkingfestival.com
