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Fastnet Trails

The Fastnet Trails project started in 2015 with loop walks in the Kilcoe and Lisheen area. These were soon connected to Ballydehob and then Schull. Recently, loop walks starting in Schull have extended…. In 2018, a short loop walk was established from Altar Church in Toormore and in 2019 new loop walks starting at Toormore and Goleen Trailheads have been established. Four linear walks which now connect Kilcoe to Goleen are collectively known as “The Fastnet Trail” and it is planned to extend this further in the future.
The Fastnet Trails are principally located on the southern side of the Mizen Peninsula from Church Cross in the east to Goleen and Crookhaven in the west and many of the trails are on quiet country roads so they are accessible in all weather conditions. In 2019, there are seven Trailheads – these are places where you can park the car, study a map board and embark on a waymarked walk.
2015
Project start
7
Trailheads
17
Loop Walks
4
Linear Walks
Fastnet Trails

Trailheads

There are seven Fastnet Trails Trailheads spread along the Mizen Peninsula from the eastern ones at Lisheen and Kilcoe through Ballydehob, Schull, Colla/Long Island to the more westerly ones at Toormore (Altar) and Goleen. As the trails evolve it is now possible to join them up and you will see the Fastnet Trail weaving its way from Kilcoe to Goleen and beyond.
Fastnet Trails

Walks

There are 16 Loop Walks and 4 Linear Walks (both directions). Each trail listed below has a hyperlink to its Trailhead, where it begins, and to a map of the trail and a description of the walk. Other information follows including the distance, the approximate time and level of difficulty.
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Fastnet Trails

Enjoy

The purpose of this website is simple: to provide walkers with a resource where they can see all the Fastnet Trails in one place and access the walks either in electronic format on their mobile devices or even as PDF walk guides to guide them on their journey. Note that Fastnet Trails Leaflets are available in many shops and tourist offices and these contain route maps and information.
Fastnet Trails

About us & Acknowledgements

The Fastnet Trail Committee is comprised of 15 volunteers, many of whom are retired and bring a lifetime’s worth of experience and expertise coupled with energy and a willingness to give their time. In addition, trail development was greatly helped by the Rural Recreation Officers who were there from inception to launching of many of the walks. As the trails increased over a wider area, it was necessary to establish a committee to coordinate our collective efforts. In addition to managing the establishment, monitoring and maintenance of the walks, the Committee also liaises both locally with land owners and nationally with funding bodies such as Sport Ireland, Cork Community Council and local community councils. The Rural Social Scheme workers are essential for much of the ongoing maintenance. The Committee has also worked closely with West Cork Development Programme, which has given great help for development and funding from ORIS grants from the Department of Community and Rural Development.

A special word of thanks is due to Patricia Bevan, formerly of the West Cork Development Programme and Finola and Robert Finley of the Roaringwater Journal for their generous help with photographs.
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