Considerable labour and expenditure has been invested in the development of new and existing walking trails across County Sligo in recent years. Among the trails to benefit from investment and upgrade works is the long distance Miners Way and Historical Trail.
The 129km trail crosses Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon and as the name suggests is a combination of old miners paths and trails that pass ancient heritage sites such as the megalithic complex at Carrowkeel, the Red Earl’s Road and the mythological rich plains of Highwood. Various upgrade works have taken place along the trail over the past number of years, with work just completed in October 2020 on the section of the trail leading down to the Arigna River.
While the trail benefits from inclusion on the Walks Scheme with supplementary works undertaken by the Rural Social Scheme staff from Sligo LEADER Partnership and Roscommon LEADER, it was decided that the section of trail between Glen school and the Arigna River merited standalone capital works. These works, now complete, add to what is a very pleasant section of walk, and one which provides a good introduction to the Miners Way.
Upon the completion of tree feeling works adjacent to the trail at Gubbarudda, it was decided to undertake path rehabilitation works along this section of trail. Rural Recreation Officer, Deirdre Kennedy of Sligo Leader successfully applied to SECAD for funding under the Windfarm Community Fund 2020 on behalf of the Miners Way and Historical Trail Maintenance Committee, while Coillte provided matched funding for the project.
Deirdre acknowledged the involvement of Coillte, Inland Fisheries, Sligo County Council and Sligo LEADER Partnership in getting the project across the line explaining that
‘this project really was another collaborative effort with really worthwhile results. Everyone worked hard to get this over the line, but great credit must go to the contractor Tommy Cull and Brian Mc Garraghy from Coillte who together have developed a great section of trail that we can all be really proud of’.
Deirdre also expressed her thanks to all of the landowners along this trail and other trails within the county who kindly allow permission for walkers to cross their land.
