There are a number of beautiful trails around the Vartry reservoir with thriving wildlife, flora, fauna and mountain views.
Between 1862 and 1868, the Lower Vartry Reservoir was formed by constructing a dam across the valley of the river Vartry. To provide additional storage, a second dam was completed in 1923 forming the Upper Reservoir. Both dams are earthen embankments with waterproof cores and have stone facings on the upstream slopes to prevent wave erosion.
Two walks will be available for differing energy levels.
- Woodland Trail: Grade: Easy, Markings: Pink Arrows – Loop Trail, Distance: 3.3km, Estimated Time: 45mins
This trail follows the short steep-sided cutting linking the Upper and Lower Vartry Reservoirs through stands of one hundred year old Scots Pine trees. Great Crested Grebes breed here on floating nests and are regularly sighted from this walk.
- Lower Vartry Trail: Grade: Easy, Markings: Blue Arrows – Loop Trail, Distance: 7.9km, Estimated Time: 2hrs
The trail follows lakeside paths and country roads with fantastic views across the water. Watch out for the Ballaun stone on the water’s edge. When water levels are very low, the old bridge that used to cross the river Vartry can be seen.
Photos from Mike McKillen