Additional Video Links
- The Anne Valley Walk Credit: Waterford Epic Locations
This phase of the project is looking to extend the Anne Valley Walk from Dunhill Castle to Annestown beach based on the success of the original LEADER funded 2.5km walk from Dunhill village to Dunhill castle. A counter placed at the entrance to the walk from the village side recorded 14,000 users over an initial four month period from 7th August to the 28th November 2013. Additional enhancements have since been provided by the group including a car park at the village entrance to the walk, signage, seating and a walkway to the castle at the castle end of the walk. Extra surfacing and maintenance has also been provided from the group’s own funds. An underground safe was installed in the early stages of the walk and approximately €50/month is generated from the public using it.
The walk passes through farm land in the Anne Valley that has been kindly donated to the project and its value included as part of the voluntary matching contribution. The National Trails Office insures the walk which was completed to their national standard. The area of land around the walk is natural bog land that stretches down to Annestown beach and is a haven for wildlife and native birds providing a tranquil space for the young and old and less mobile members of the public to enjoy.
This project was funded by Waterford Local Development Community Development Company Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 under the Local Objective Tourism as a key driver of Economic Development Strategic Action Activity Tourism.