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The Blackwater Way
has been formed by combining two separate routes - formerly known as the Avondhu
Way and the Duhallow Way - so that a linear route has been created across
country all the way from Clogheen to Muckross. Walkers who set out along the
Blackwater Way should note that accommodation is absent over some long
stretches. It may sometimes be necessary to arrange to be collected from the
route by accommodation providers.
Day
1
Clogheen is at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, and
the Blackwater Way starts by climbing up the scenic Vee Road to reach The Gap.
There are stretches which use paths and tracks away from the road, in particular
cutting out a sharp hairpin bend on the road. The route continues climbing, so
that it eventually crosses a high, heathery shoulder of Knockshanahullion. A bog
road runs downhill, crossing a high road and proceeding towards Crow Hill. An
intricate descent from Crow Hill is followed by roads and a forest track in the
Araglin valley. The Blackwater Way negotiates a maze of minor roads, tracks and
paths as it attempts to stay high above the Araglin valley. There is a
significant drop to cross the Lyre valley, before another series of roads and
tracks is followed to the Mountain Barrack Inn.
Day 2
The link route to the Ballyhoura Way via
Mitchelstown is waymarked (Red-Yellow arrows) from here. A long walk along the
old Cork to Dublin coach road is followed by a series of forest tracks which
flank Kilworth Camp. There is a military firing range at Kilworth Camp, so it is
necessary to stick to the waymarked route. A lovely wooded stretch of the
Douglas River is followed by a road walk through the village of Kilworth (hostel
available) and on towards Fermoy. This busy town straddles the River Blackwater
and offers a full range of services.
 Day 3
The route follows the River Blackwater away
from Fermoy, then wanders through areas of forest and fields. The Blackwater is
again briefly encountered near the village of Ballyhooly. A castle on the far
side of the river dominates the scene. An intricate series of roads, forest
tracks and paths are linked together to form a route which weaves uphill and
downhill above the course of the River Blackwater to reach the village of
Killavullen.
Day 4 & Day 5
The route passes about half a mile south of Killavullen village and
uses forest tracks and roads to reach Fiddane Wood. Tracks lead through part of
Fiddane Wood, then more roads and tracks are linked to take the route onwards to
the village of Ballynamona. There is no accommodation at Ballynamona, and
walkers might prefer to continue at a more rapid pace along a series of minor
roads to reach the village of Bweeng. The alternative is to catch a bus from
Ballynamona down to Mallow, where the town offers a fine array of services.
Timetables need to he checked if this option is pursued.
Day 6
Forest tracks feature strongly beyond Bweeng,
first on the way around Bweeng mountain, then on either side of French's Road
and on the way to Nad Bog. The open expanses of Nad Bog end at a high road.
Again, there is no accommodation in this area, and no bus service either.
Walkers needing lodgings would need to arrange to be collected at a certain time
and place by one of the accommodation providers well off-route at
Banteer.
Day 7
Forest tracks and bog roads
are linked together to take the Blackwater Way towards the prominent mountain of
Musheramore. The route skirts around the slopes of the mountain, then follows
roads high above the Millstreet Country Park. Knocknakilla Stone circle is
passed and there are other ancient stone remains beside the high roads.
Eventually a road is used which descends towards Millstreet. This town is only a
short way off route and has a good range of facilities.
Some useful info:Â
Ireland Vacation - Â Ireland Self-Drive Tours - Â Escorted Coach Tours of Ireland - Â Ireland Travel Guide - Â Ireland
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