Newport to Letterkeen

Walk Information

START NEWPORT
FINISH LETTERKEEN
DISTANCE 13 KILOMETRES
HEIGHT GAINED 160 METRES
DURATION 3 – 4 HOURS

O/S map 1:50000 numbers 23 and 31

Directions

From Newport the trail follows the N59 national route for a kilometre out of the town and turning north follows minor roads and tracks to Letterkeen forest. To the west of the trail are Loughs Furnace and Feeagh, while the Nephin Mountain range looms ahead.

Features

Newport was founded in the early years of the 18th century. The intention was to create a linen town. A community of Quaker weavers were among its first inhabitants. Bleachyard is a local townland name that derives from that initiative. The town nestles at the mouth of the Black Oak River. A small but scenic townscape awaits the hiker. The old railway viaduct dates from the late 19th century.