Military Road to Lough Dan

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Lough Dan is my go to place to bring newbies for a hike. It’s a short easy 5km walk but incredibly beautiful no matter what time of year you go. In the summer the ferns along the river bank can be up to 2m tall and it can be tough going finding your way through them but you can take the fireroad down to the river instead. In the summer months your reward is a nice swim in Lough Dan. From the beach it’s very shallow and you will have to go out a good bit to be able to swim.

After following the river down and just before you get to the open flat pasture you will pass through a small wooded area planted with Oaks. This is known locally as Johnny’s Oaks and also as Glen Mhuire. On a large boulder you will see the faint words ‘Welcome to Glen Mhuire’ carved into the stone. In times past a local monk used to paint the letters but this hasn’t been done in many years. Head onward with the river on your left through the open green pastures. Keep to the left hand side after the first meadow and pick up the trail that will bring you along the Inchavore River and to the golden beach which is made of fine granite and quartz pebbles.

And as always remember to leave no trace after you’ve left for home.

STARTING POINT: 53°05’22.3″N 6°20’58.1″W