Broadcaster Tracy Piggott undertakes a challenging and breathtaking set of waks in the Knockmealdown Mountains in Co.Tipperary.

Presenter
Tracy Piggot

About
Starting from a famous viewing point on the Tipperary-Waterford border, The Gap above the Vee which was created by a Glacial valley in the Knockmealdown Mountains. So starts the Tipperary Heritage Trail. The weather and the views improved as the walkers moved down the valley where the Golden Vale opens out before them near Goatenbridge. At this point in their journey their destination the Rock of Cashel 40km away can be seen on a fine day. The walk now takes them down a quiet country road to a footbridge on the river Tar where they stop off for lunch. They walk briskly on to our Lady’s Abbey a medieval architectural gem on the back road to Ardfinnan where they are met by local archaeologist and historian Dr. Mark Ryland who tells them they are walking the same route to Cashel taken by Kings and Bishops for 1500 years. He also tells them to look out for Castles and monasteries in nearly every town in Tipperary as being some of the best land in Ireland it has a long history before and since the Anglo Normans. For example the Butler Trail section of the Tipperary Heritage trail takes you along the river suir into Cahir where the Butlers of Ormond built a Castle.

Grade
Challenging national waymarked trail

Distance
30km

Estimated Time
Estimated time: This can be broken into different lengths, it is completed on foot and takes a full day.

Terrain underfoot
Footpath, towpath, trail.

Total Height Climbed
Varied

Suitable for
A good level of fitness required for the whole walk.

Notes
Dogs under effective control allowed, please always clean up after your dog.