Becher’s Loop Walk
| Type of Route | Arrows | Distance | Grading | Estimated Time |
| Loop Walk | Purple | 13 km | Easy | 3 – 4 hours |
Becher’s Loop Walk follows along quite tarred roads, departs from the trailhead towards Aughadown Creamery shop.
The views of Roaring Water Bay and Kilcoe Castle are spectacular along this road and include the ruins of Aughadown House, home of the Becher family dating from the mid 1600’s. From the tidal inlet called Goleen Marsh many wading birds can be observed at low tide, especially the curlew. Along the route Honeysuckle, Gorse and Fuchsia abound in the hedgerows.
Walk Guide
Starting from the car park opposite Lisheen Church (1) proceed west to the nearby junction and turn RIGHT alongside the burial ground. Heading north, gently downhill, you pass a few side roads, the road rises and falls until after 1.5km you pass an old creamery, a co-op since 1945, on the left and reach a cross roads (2) just before a right-hand bend.
To the left would take you down to the quay where mussel farming operations are based at Lahertanavalla Pier. You need to turn RIGHT here, past a white house with a stone wall, and head uphill steadily for nearly one kilometre. The road levels out and to the right you might see the remnants of a gazebo built by the Becher family for enjoying the splendid views. Next is a left turn which you ignore and soon take a RIGHT turn (3) opposite a fine house entrance.
Descend the hill heading SE and soon the road levels out as you enter the townland of Bigmarsh and you join a bigger road, carrying STRAIGHT ON. After a few hundred metres the road swings sharp right (to Turk Head, Hare Island etc.) but you carry STRAIGHT ON down a smaller road with houses on your right. Soon you reach walls and high hedges at a junction known as Corpse Cross Roads (4). Beware of the blue arrows which indicate a cycle route.
The Becher Loop route goes LEFT down a small road which descends to a junction (5) at the river. Turn RIGHT here and follow the river down until you reach the ivy-covered church at Aughadown old burial ground (6).
After exploring, return about 100m back up the road and turn LEFT uphill, climbing steadily to reach the Corpse Cross Roads again (4).
Turn LEFT here and follow the winding road past new houses and old farmyards until the road descends sharply to a junction (7) where you need to turn LEFT. After a very short distance you are on Reenadonagh Pier with fine views over the River Ilen.
Follow this road as it winds its way alongside the water then up and down a few small hills, round bends and through farms. You may be able to see the islands of Innisbeg and Reengaroga in the river estuary and Sherkin further out to sea, and finally the road descends after 3 km to a junction (8).
Here you need to turn RIGHT again and the road will slowly rise ahead of you round more bends. Take care along this stretch as it can be busy at times. Finally, the road takes a huge horseshoe bend and climbs to another junction (9) where you go RIGHT.
A short stroll brings you to Minihan’s Pub on the left and this is most surely time for refreshments.
Leaving Minihan’s behind you the road forks (10) and you follow the LEFT branch which drops gently downhill and brings you back to the Church at Lisheen and your vehicle.
Follow this road as it winds its way alongside the water then up and down a few small hills, round bends and through farms. You may be able to see the islands of Innisbeg and Reengaroga in the river estuary and Sherkin further out to sea, and finally the road descends after 3 km to a junction (8).
Here you need to turn RIGHT again and the road will slowly rise ahead of you round more bends. Take care along this stretch as it can be busy at times. Finally, the road takes a huge horseshoe bend and climbs to another junction (9) where you go RIGHT.
A short stroll brings you to Minihan’s Pub on the left and this is most surely time for refreshments.
Leaving Minihan’s behind you the road forks (10) and you follow the LEFT branch which drops gently downhill and brings you back to the Church at Lisheen and your vehicle.
Points of Interest
On the road to Cunnamore pier, (2 miles), is Rincolisky Castle, (1 mile), a rectangular tower house which probably had five storeys originally. There were doors on the east wall one above the other and stairs to the upper floors on the south side.
The O’Driscolls’ who ruled this area built the tower prior to 1350 and it was rebuilt again in 1495. It was mortgaged to Sir Wm Coppinger, who took over the estate in 1628.
Rincolisky was in the hands of The Townsends by 1663. Conogher O’Driscoll a brother of Sir Fineen O’Driscoll was the last of the O’Driscoll’s to occupy the tower. It is presently renovated and in private ownership.
The Islands of Roaring water bay as seen from this point are Skeims east and west, Horse Island, Heir Island, Sherkin and Cape Clear is the largest Island. Access to Heir Island is at Cunnamore Pier which has an excellent walk and the Ferry service is every 2hours in the summer months.