The walk along the River Suir from Passage East to Cheekpoint - and, if you wish, back again - is easy enough for most ages, writes Paul Cullen
CO WATERFORD has some of the most varied scenery in Ireland, from the mountainous solitude of the Comeragh mountains to the beaches of Woodstown or Tramore. This walk explores a quiet corner in the east of the county, skirting Waterford Harbour and the confluence of the Barrow, Nore and Suir rivers. It's an easy walk, suitable for all but the very young, but those wishing for an even shorter version can start and finish in Cheekpoint instead of Passage East.
The village of Passage East is easily reachable by car from Waterford or by taking the ferry from Ballyhack in Co Wexford. Begin by walking out of the village on the Waterford road. As you climb, generous views open up across the harbour and further up towards our destination, Cheekpoint. After a series of bends and about half a mile, turn right onto the gravel driveway of a new house, from which a boreen takes up to the right, leading back towards the river. If you find you've walked as far as a right-hand junction on the road, you've gone too far and should retrace your steps.
From here, it's a straight ramble along a charming and secluded green road that rises high above the river, affording wonderful views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The highest point, 100m above the river, is known as Hurt Hill, after the local name for bilberries. Drop down the other side of the hill, and follow the tarmac road that begins after the boreen ends. There is a track to the right that leads down to the shoreline and in to Cheekpoint, but it can be overgrown, so a safer bet is to continue on the main route until a road junction is reached. Turn right here and follow this route into the village.
The various phases of Ireland's industrial history are well represented in Cheekpoint. Little Island power station stands opposite the pier, from where the waters of the Barrow and Nore flow under the Barrow Bridge railway viaduct. This is the longest bridge in the Republic and boasted the longest span of a viaduct across water for a while after it was built in the 19th century.
Further upstream, the chimney of the Masonite plant can also be seen.
From the pier, walk west for about 90m and turn left up the hill past a large Georgian house and then turn left at the brow of the hill. You quickly turn sharp right into a rough track that leads uphill away from the river. A tarmac road is reached at the top of the hill; turn right here and walk up to Glazing Wood. At the forest entrance, look out for a narrow path to the right that leads downhill through trees and woodland flowers. Descend steeply, passing through a broken-down wall, until the path veers left just where there is a broken stile to the right.
The rhododendrons have really taken over here, so the views of the river to the right are largely obscured. Watch out for a viewing platform to the right, though even here larch trees have grown up to block the view. Walk down the track, turn right at the first junction and exit Glazing Wood on to a tarmac road. Turn left here and left again after about half a kilometre. The next turn left (dotted line on the map) leads back to Cheekpoint; keep an eye out for Faithlegg House and its golf course to the left.
For the more direct return to Passage East, stay on the main road and take the next turn right whence you earlier came.
Passage East, Co Waterford
Start and finishPassage East, Co Waterford.
Distance15km
TimeAllow three and a half hours.
SuitabilityAn easy enough walk suitable for most age groups. No special footwear needed but be careful walking along the road stretches.
MapOrdnance Survey sheets 76 and 82.
AccommodationFaithlegg House (051-382000) for luxury, otherwise Parkswood in Passage East (051-380863), which is situated at the start of the walk. For food, try McAlpin's Suir Inn in Cheekpoint (051-382220,
www.mcalpins.com) or Howay Chinese restaurant in Passage East (051-380749).