Coast to Coast

The weeks after Christmas are not the time for ambitious hikes, writes FRANCES BRADLEY

NORMALLY, IT DOESN’T take much of an excuse to get walkers to drop whatever they are doing and head for the hills. However, the days following Christmas can prove to be a difficult time for the less well motivated. Post-festivity apathy – a stretched waistline, too much rich food, the brain fried from watching Christmas television . . . and we can always blame the weather.

What is needed is something that doesn’t require much planning, has several bailout options, is just a couple of hours in duration and yet can be extended if you feel in form. Additionally, you probably don’t want to be thinking about preparing food after the festive gorging.

There is a route in north Co Dublin that ticks all of these boxes. It is located in the area between the Burrows, Portrane in the north and the Martello tower beside the Waterside House Hotel, Donabate in the south. Included is a bracing coastal walk, routes along sheltered trails and lanes and road walking.

My route, which requires two cars, starts at the Burrows, Portrane. For those unfamiliar with the area, follow these directions carefully in order to get to the start of the walk. As you enter Portrane village you will pass the gates into St Ita’s Psychiatric Hospital on the right. After 100 metres, turn left onto the Burrow Road. Continue for 2 kilometres until the road narrows dramatically, at which point there is a right-hand turn. Turn right along Porter’s Lane and proceed for 100 metres to a junction where it seems that several lanes converge. Ignoring all other routes, continue ahead passing a street light on the left. Follow the lane until it becomes a sandy lane at a control gate and continue on to a parking area overlooking the beach.

To your left is Rogerstown Estuary – a wel-known bird reserve – with Rush on the other side. From here there is a clear trail leading south along the coast. You have a choice of sticking to this trail, where there is some shelter or of making your way south along the beach. At the southern end of the beach you will not be able to proceed along the coast at high tide. In that event, go up onto the road (Quay Road) and follow this past a caravan park on the left. There is a converted Martello tower on the headland on your left and the road comes to an end at a car park. The coastal trail can be picked up again at the bottom right corner of the car park.

With a seemingly ancient round tower to accompany you on the right (it was built in the 19th century) proceed with care along the well-defined trail. The imposing red-brick presence of St Ita’s is another unmissable landmark. The trail comes to an end at the Waterside House Hotel where there is another Martello tower.

Long route

For one car. After a bowl of soup in the Waterside, walk back along the coastal path for 350 metres and turn left across open ground towards a wooded area. The path continues through the trees, turning right and then left before emerging onto a road. Continue on this road for 650 metres as it swings to the right and joins up with Portrane Avenue – the main access road to St Ita’s. Turn left and shortly you will find yourself back in Portrane village. Follow the original route along Burrow Road to get back to your car.

Short route

For one car. Leave the car at the beach carpark in Portrane village, walk along the coastal path to the Waterside and return as described above.

Leave the car at the Waterside and do the circuit described above in either direction.

Portrane to Donabate

Start and finish:Burrow beach carpark; Portrane village; Waterside House Hotel

Distance and time: walk described – 5/6km, 1.5/2 hrs; long walk – 11km, 3.5 hrs; short walks – 5.5km, 1.5/2 hrs

Suitability: for all ages; not suitable for buggies

Map: OS Sheets 43 and 50

Refreshments: Waterside House Hotel