The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 24
This is a remarkably scenic walk around the shores of picturesque Lough Talt. The lake and its surroundings are home to a diverse range of bird life, with wild ducks, swans and dippers to be seen overhead. The lake also boasts an abundance of brown trout, making it a popular destination with anglers.
The Route
The first section of this walk is along a lakeshore track with the return journey along a busy road. For this reason families with young children may prefer to make their return back along the same track. Follow the track along the western shore of the lake. Head uphill from the lake, past the ruins of some houses, through the gates and onto an old road. Take a right turn onto the R294 near the gap and follow the main road back along the eastern side of the lakeshore.
Did you know?
During the year of the French (1798), General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert marched his army through the Lough Talt valley on the way from Bonniconlon to battle in Longford. At least three French soldiers perished and are buried at the Old Gorterslin road overlooking Lough Talt (French Mans Grave) and on the Bonniconlon side of the gap in an area known as the French Man’s bridge.
We enjoyed the first part of this walk but the road section was very busy and dangerous even on Sunday afternoon. Is it possible to put a warning on the sign at the car park to let people know about this hazard? Some of us don’t review websites before walking, we follow the guidance on the physical signs.
The first section of this walk along the lake shore is beautiful-but the second half along the road (busy even on a Sunday morning) should be avoided. Turn round and walk back the way you came.
Lovely walk. Small gradual incline. The last two kilometres is on the road and the cars travel quite fast so can be a bit dangerous. The route is well marked.