The Clare O'Leary Walk in Bandon runs alongside the N71 road and it opened more than a decade ago. The walk which is about 1.6kms in length however was not easily accessible by foot from the town and anyone wishing to use it had to drive there.
The photo below shows what the road between the walkway and the town looked like in 2009. As can be seen from the photo, it was very dangerous for anyone wishing to walk or run to the walkway. It was like this up to recently.
The only safe way to get to the walkway was by driving there. When I used it a few years back, it looked overgrown which suggests that not many people used it.
A new walkway connecting the Clare O'Leary Walk is now under construction.
This new section which is about 1km in length will connect the Clare O'Leary Walk to the town itself.
The overall length now for the new extended walk is about 2.6kms which might suit some runners that want to do a light run or some speed work.
You'll notice as well that 2.6kms out and back (5.2kms) is enough to fit a 5k parkrun. Is there any interest locally?? Maybe there are some other factors we don't know about.
The full length of the Greenway which will be now be a full 3-metres in width is expected to open in July of 2025.
While the north-eastern end of the walk still ends on the busy N71 road, there is a possibility that it become part of the new West Cork Greenway in the future. The Clare O'Leary Walk would cross a bridge over the Bandon River, through an old tunnel and then onto Upton, Crossbarry, Halfway and through the Goggins Hill tunnel to Cork City.
1 comment:
It's going to be absolutely fantastic and safe for all the school children. Can't wait. Thank you ! A railing down the bypass would be great as terrifying walking a group there with high speed trucks and narrow path.
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