May 2019
May 2019
River Walk Proposal
River Walk Proposal
Unsurprisingly few Johnstown Residents knew about the River Boyne Trail right on our doorstep at Athlumney.
The river walk at Athlumney is a hidden gem, very peaceful, unspoilt and natural. Up until now it attracts very few dog walkers, fishing enthusiasts, lunchtime visitors and teenagers out exploring.
The river walk at Athlumney is a hidden gem, very peaceful, unspoilt and natural. Up until now it attracts very few dog walkers, fishing enthusiasts, lunchtime visitors and teenagers out exploring.
Without dramatic alteration the Riverside could be so much more simply by becoming accessible.
Without dramatic alteration the Riverside could be so much more simply by becoming accessible.
Previous articles have looked at the waking routes at Dalgan, Balrath Woods, Blackwater and of course the Ramparts Canal. None of these family friendly venues were created quickly, each offers something unique and each has a support group providing maintenance and upkeep.
Previous articles have looked at the waking routes at Dalgan, Balrath Woods, Blackwater and of course the Ramparts Canal. None of these family friendly venues were created quickly, each offers something unique and each has a support group providing maintenance and upkeep.
Can we add the Athlumney riverside trail to Navan's repertoire of worthy visitor attractions?
Can we add the Athlumney riverside trail to Navan's repertoire of worthy visitor attractions?
A small group of interested local people are looking to see if they can make something happen.
A small group of interested local people are looking to see if they can make something happen.
Establishing both pedestrian, wheelchair and buggy friendly surfaces is fundamental to creating a family friendly trail. The vast majority of the nature walk should remain untouched but with 5km of paths there's scope to improve at least a portion to include all of the community.
Establishing both pedestrian, wheelchair and buggy friendly surfaces is fundamental to creating a family friendly trail. The vast majority of the nature walk should remain untouched but with 5km of paths there's scope to improve at least a portion to include all of the community.
The existing trails connect but can be divided into two distinct routes: High level woodland and a Low level riverside. Here's what we discovered together during our own visits with the suggestions of what should happen at the end.
The existing trails connect but can be divided into two distinct routes: High level woodland and a Low level riverside. Here's what we discovered together during our own visits with the suggestions of what should happen at the end.
Low Level Riverside Trail.
Low Level Riverside Trail.
There is a potential access route on the north side of Kilcarn Bridge but if the derelict and abandoned homes become renovated then there is a discrete unmarked gate next to them.
There is a potential access route on the north side of Kilcarn Bridge but if the derelict and abandoned homes become renovated then there is a discrete unmarked gate next to them.
Follow the dirt road and turn left around the water plant to reach the riverside beach. Here the water appears shallow and was likely to have been a crossing point before the bridge was built. The water is clear but freezing cold!
Follow the dirt road and turn left around the water plant to reach the riverside beach. Here the water appears shallow and was likely to have been a crossing point before the bridge was built. The water is clear but freezing cold!
The path immediately opens into a wide open field and you could imagine being anywhere in the countryside surrounded by trees and bushes. Here both the river and the busy Dublin - Navan road falls quiet and out of sight.
The path immediately opens into a wide open field and you could imagine being anywhere in the countryside surrounded by trees and bushes. Here both the river and the busy Dublin - Navan road falls quiet and out of sight.
Following along the low level trail are at least three drainage ditches and the path is more noticeably soft and boggy in some of these places.
Following along the low level trail are at least three drainage ditches and the path is more noticeably soft and boggy in some of these places.
Running alongside the tree lined raised ground at the edge of the open area is a much wider drainage system but the path doesn't go close. We're also not yet sure if, or by how much, the low level land is subject to flooding in bad weather.
Running alongside the tree lined raised ground at the edge of the open area is a much wider drainage system but the path doesn't go close. We're also not yet sure if, or by how much, the low level land is subject to flooding in bad weather.
Wander further and you'll discover another riverside viewing point. Perhaps a future opportunity for a boardwalk or decking platform over the river?
Wander further and you'll discover another riverside viewing point. Perhaps a future opportunity for a boardwalk or decking platform over the river?
From here the path fades but can still be followed until the Council office is visible and you can climb up the gentle bank towards it.
From here the path fades but can still be followed until the Council office is visible and you can climb up the gentle bank towards it.
Outside the Buvinda House boundary fence is a dangerous looking boardwalk in need of total replacement. We skirted it's edge since there's signs of previous walkers having put their foot through the rotten planks. There also appears to be unused power cables which were perhaps intended for lighting the path.
Outside the Buvinda House boundary fence is a dangerous looking boardwalk in need of total replacement. We skirted it's edge since there's signs of previous walkers having put their foot through the rotten planks. There also appears to be unused power cables which were perhaps intended for lighting the path.
The boardwalk comes to an abrupt end near the timber fence of Bothar Sion and if you continue down the steep grass bank it takes you under St Martha's Bridge. This is a teenager hang out and often a litter collection point. A simple bin would be of help!
The boardwalk comes to an abrupt end near the timber fence of Bothar Sion and if you continue down the steep grass bank it takes you under St Martha's Bridge. This is a teenager hang out and often a litter collection point. A simple bin would be of help!
As an alternative route we propose an entry through the timber fence and steps in the grass bank leading down to Bothar Sion. At the moment you can simply follow the raised grass bank until it meets the footpath at the traffic lights at Athlumney Wood.
As an alternative route we propose an entry through the timber fence and steps in the grass bank leading down to Bothar Sion. At the moment you can simply follow the raised grass bank until it meets the footpath at the traffic lights at Athlumney Wood.
High Woodland Trail.
High Woodland Trail.
The higher path skirts from Buvinda House and follows the edge of the IDA land all the way back to the water station at Kilcarn Bridge. There are a few entry points where staff from IDA buildings come for lunch time walks.
The higher path skirts from Buvinda House and follows the edge of the IDA land all the way back to the water station at Kilcarn Bridge. There are a few entry points where staff from IDA buildings come for lunch time walks.
Take care to avoid tripping over the constant hazard of the wire from a collapsed fence. The route is well worn by not level. There are signs of maintenance where trees have been pruned to maintain a clear path.
Take care to avoid tripping over the constant hazard of the wire from a collapsed fence. The route is well worn by not level. There are signs of maintenance where trees have been pruned to maintain a clear path.
Enhancements.
Enhancements.
We think it's important that the land remain as a natural park but it could be improved. We noticed occasional bees, butterflies and birds and some wildflowers and there's fish and more in the river too.
We think it's important that the land remain as a natural park but it could be improved. We noticed occasional bees, butterflies and birds and some wildflowers and there's fish and more in the river too.
Low Level Riverside Trail
Low Level Riverside Trail
Street signage advising of its existence.
A simple trail map at the entrance points with direction markers along the route.
Life buoys at the 2 locations where the path meets the river
‘Parkland’ picnic table & bench at chosen locations from which to enjoy the scenery.
Gravel placed over the ‘wet’ path areas.
Simple sturdy timber bridges over the three main drainage ditches.
Discrete information boards about the River, Flora, Fauna and wildlife at chosen locations.
Removal or repair to the northern boardwalk.
Fence entry gate and steps at Bothar Sion.
High Woodland Trail.
High Woodland Trail.
Removal of the wire fence which provides nothing except for a trip hazard.
Warnings of the trails uneven surface and unsuitability for the less able.
Security.
Security.
If it becomes a troubled area then lockable gates could be placed at either end and the IDA could have a perimeter fence.
The Future
The Future
Funding may mean these simple items take 5 years or more to apply but there's more potential:
Funding may mean these simple items take 5 years or more to apply but there's more potential:
Riverside Boardwalk.
Riverside Boardwalk.
Raised above the river it would be a rare and unique experience to view the area or to fish from.
Raised above the river it would be a rare and unique experience to view the area or to fish from.
Boats.
Boats.
You'll have possibly seen the occasional canoe, kayak and rafts at Slane or Drogheda but did you know you could kayak from here to Slane too?
You'll have possibly seen the occasional canoe, kayak and rafts at Slane or Drogheda but did you know you could kayak from here to Slane too?
Playground.
Playground.
Without knowing the outcome of the Johnstown school playground proposal the alternative could be the land across the road from the Willow's Old Bridge Inn? It's flat, wide, unused and without neighbouring homes. Accessed of the main road and with a nearby bus stop.
Without knowing the outcome of the Johnstown school playground proposal the alternative could be the land across the road from the Willow's Old Bridge Inn? It's flat, wide, unused and without neighbouring homes. Accessed of the main road and with a nearby bus stop.
It would make a convenient parking location to expand the riverside walk on both sides of the river. This could also encourage a route further south to Boyne Hill House.
It would make a convenient parking location to expand the riverside walk on both sides of the river. This could also encourage a route further south to Boyne Hill House.
It would also ensure suitable access for Meath River Rescue.
It would also ensure suitable access for Meath River Rescue.
Another option is to have a Balrath Woods style play equipment and the low level riverside path.
Another option is to have a Balrath Woods style play equipment and the low level riverside path.
Lighting Kilcarn Bridge
Lighting Kilcarn Bridge
This is dark and unappealing during winter evenings. Lighting will provide a spotlight on our heritage, mark the entry to Navan and provides a function for pedestrians.
This is dark and unappealing during winter evenings. Lighting will provide a spotlight on our heritage, mark the entry to Navan and provides a function for pedestrians.
What Happens Now?
What Happens Now?
We're now hoping to persuade those who hold the purse strings to help us make at least a portion of the trail accessible to all whilst improving the safety of those wishing to go further afield.
We're now hoping to persuade those who hold the purse strings to help us make at least a portion of the trail accessible to all whilst improving the safety of those wishing to go further afield.
A budgeted proposal is being submitted together with a 10 year plan for its development to become a Gem in Navan's crown.
A budgeted proposal is being submitted together with a 10 year plan for its development to become a Gem in Navan's crown.
If you would like to get involved or wish to comment or suggest something then send us a message.
If you would like to get involved or wish to comment or suggest something then send us a message.
Contact
Contact
Related Past Articles
Related Past Articles
Navan Coarse Angling Club is a suitable for all age groups and can be found at the Ramparts canal.
Continuing our series on Family Friendly Free venues this one comes highly recommended.
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