Tough Soles tour the great outdoors

In 2017 professional photographer Ellie Berry and tech expert Carl Lange came up with the idea to hike all 4,000kms of Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails and with that Tough Soles was born.

The 42 trails would bring them through the country’s highest mountains and most remote corners as well as the villages and bogland in between leading them to discover amazing landscapes, history and heritage.

They have continued their walks along Ireland’s Pilgrim Paths and other long-distance trails and are planning to explore the Ulster Way this year.

ELLIE BERRY takes you on a tour of Ireland’s great outdoors and shares some of her favourite places.

Portumna Castle, Co. Galway

Sitting on the shores of Lough Derg, Portumna Castle is a 17th Century fortified house that is an amazing example of the splendour of Ireland’s heritage. It’s surrounded by lush walled gardens, as well as other smaller historic wonders like the ruins of Portumna Friary. Lough Derg itself offers fishing, kayaking and boat cruises.

The Nore Valley Way, Co. Kilkenny

One of Ireland’s most approachable National Waymarked Trails, the Nore Valley Way is a beautiful riverside walk that follows the River Nore out of Kilkenny town. A haven for wildlife, the banks of this river are teeming with small creatures and birds, the trail gently meandering through forests of dappled sunshine. The walk from Kilkenny to the village of Bennettsbridge takes a little over two hours and is approachable for casual walkers and families.

Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary

Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Ireland. From the 13th Century, it was built on a rocky island in the River Suir and for over 300 years no army breached it. Walking along it’s thick defensive walls and up the twisting stairs you can feel its history. Surrounding the castle is the river walk to the Swiss Cottage, a fantastical countryside cottage orné, and a series of looped walks in Scarragh Woods that bring you onto the shoulder of the Galtee Mountains.

Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon

Situated in north Roscommon, Lough Key Forest Park is a sprawling forest just outside the town of Boyle on the shores of Lough Key. Within these trees you will find trails, ancient bridges and islands with ruined castles.

Boyle Abbey is a short walk away with the Miner’s Way & Historical Trail for long-distance walkers.

Port Beach, Co. Donegal

One of the more remote locations on this list, Port Beach is a hidden gem along the stunning Donegal coastline. I came across it while walking the Slí Cholmcille trail. Climbing out of the village of Glencolmcille northwards, the trail winds its way over the low hills to reveal the rugged cliffs of Port Beach. Deserted famine cottages dot the landscape and the wild sea birds there mix their calls with the crashing waves.

The Dublin Mountains Way, Co. Dublin

This Way takes walkers from Shankill to Tallaght via the Dublin Mountains. At approximately 43km, this is usually a two-day trail. Walking out of Shankill the route steadily climbs out of the city until you are on the mountain trails, passing the impressive tower of Ballycorus Leadmines on Carrickgollogan. Passing through places like the Scalp, Johnnie Fox’s Pub, Tibradden and Cruagh Woods before reaching Bohernabreena reservoirs, this trail is full of inspiration for adventure and day hikes.

Gougane Barra, Co. Cork

Arriving into Gougane Barra on a frosty February evening my breath froze in my throat as I looked out at the amazing mountains and the lake nestled within the closing embrace of the high hills around it. Out in this lake there is a small island, home to St. Finbarr’s Oratory, the remains of the monastery that the saint is said to have built there in the 6th Century.

The Cavan Burren, Co. Cavan

The Cavan Burren park is a hidden gem sitting near to the border between Cavan and Fermanagh. Throughout this karst landscape there are walking trails that guide visitors around the amazing prehistoric tombs, such as the Giant’s Grave, and highlight the unique geology of this raised plateau.

Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal

Donegal has many islands along its wild coastline, and from the village of Burtonport you can take a ferry over to Arranmore Island. The ferry-ride alone is magnificent. Walking the ring road that encircles the island takes close to three hours or you can head out to the lighthouse and look out at the Atlantic.

Carrowkeel Tombs, Co. Sligo

The Carrowkeel Megalithic tombs can be found atop the Bricklieve Mountains, near Lough Arrow. This complex of passage cairns looks out from the top of the steep arms of a u-shaped valley. It’s a short walk up to the tombs from the carpark, allowing easy access to history from over 6,000 years ago.

The Kerry Camino, Co. Kerry

The Kerry Camino is a three-day hiking adventure from Tralee to Dingle, passing through the villages of Camp, Annascaul, and Inch Beach. This trail has plenty of infrastructure and indoor accommodation options, while still immersing walkers in the wilds of Kerry. Picking up your Kerry Camino Passport in Tralee, walkers collect stamps along the route, and on reaching Dingle can use acquire the Kerry Camino Certificate.

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