The Great Western Greenway
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The Great Western Greenway This Great Western Greenway is 42km and is the longest off road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the West of Ireland. Located only 30 minutes from Belmullet, County Mayo. The World Class Great Western Greenway is a traffic free cycling and walking trail which follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937. Its development has been made possible by agreement of local landowners who have allowed permissive access to users to pass through their lands. Today, the fine engineering structures, gentle gradients and outstanding scenery has been converted into an off road walking and cycling route – a fitting reminder to the glorious railway era. The final section of The Great Western Greenway, linking Westport to Achill in Co Mayo, was officially opened by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The Newport to Mullranny section of the greenway opened last summer and has attracted over 50,000 visitors to date. The Great Western Greenway is another wonderful facility the West of Ireland offers for walkers and cyclists alike Why not order a packed lunch from The Talbot and head off walking at your own pace or hire a bike through local bike hire who have a rental facilities at The Talbot hotel. The Routes; Achill to Mulranny 13km section (Mulranny is just a 30 minute drive from Belmullet) Trail section information as follows v Start : In Mulranny an official access point is located to the right just off the N59 travelling to Bangor, Belmullet. On Achill Sound an official access point is located at Óstán Oileán Acla / Achill Island Hotel at the gateway to Achill Island, Follow finger post signage onto Greenway v Distance : 13 km v Estimated Time Cycling : 1 to 1.5 Hours v Estimated Time Walking : 2 to 2.5 Hours Mulranny to Newport 18km section Trail section information as follows • Start: In Newport an official access point is located to the left just off the N59 travelling to Mulranny. In Mulranny an official access point is located to the right just off the N59 travelling to Bangor. • Distance : 18 km • Estimated Time Cycling : 2 to 2.5 Hours • Estimated Time Walking : 5 to 5.5 Hours • Ascent : 82m • OS Discovery Map : sheet No 30 & 31 Newport to Westport 11km section • Start: In Westport an official access point is located to the right just off the N59 traveling in the direction of Newport approximately 500m from Westport town centre. Follow the directional fingerpost signs on to the Greenway. In Newport an official access point is located to the left just off the N59 traveling in the direction of Westport located approximately 2km from Newport town. • Distance : 11 km • Estimated Time Cycling : 1 to 1.5 Hours • Estimated Time Walking : 3 to 3.5 Hours .