A maximum of fourteen at a time may join this walk that takes in a large section of the disused Westport Canal.
This is a level, sometimes extremely wet and muddy, just over four-mile walk. It takes you along the edge of the old canal where it is not difficult to imagine horses, barges and bargemen plying their trade in the seventeen hundreds.
The walk can be achieved in an hour and three quarters, but allow just over two and a quarter to cater for the slowest. The towpath probably hasn't changed much since its inception and, although muddy in places, is in good condition. It is somewhat overgrown in early summer and places can be uneven underfoot.
The walk has a number of Bristol and Kissing gates, and a few stiles.
Definitely one for 'wellies' if recent days have had heavy rain. Gateways and farm tracks can flood to six or eight inches which can make it impossibly uncomfortable to pass wearing walking boots. The final couple of hundred yards runs across Bowdens Farm. This is not a footpath, but is private land. SPWG have been given permission to take this short cut. Care must be taken in Spring to avoid ground nesting Partridges that are encouraged to breed in the area.
If you are not walking with the group, you are asked to stay on the footpath, which leads to the main road. From there is a short walk northwards to the Smokery.
Click Here to down load the Nippy Bus Westport Canal to The Smokery Walk route map.
Please note that the Walk Leader needs to be
contacted to confirm Nippy Bus seating requirements.
Sorry, dogs are usually welcome on our walks, but are not allowed on this trip.