AN innovative new trail project based on the legacy of Donegal-born St Colmcille offers a very special walking opportunity in June with a special 18km walk planned for the eve of his Feast Day.
On Saturday, June 7, Slí Cholmcille will host a one-day guided walk on a segment of the Slí between Creeslough and Gartan that will travel over forest, country lanes and historic bog roads, via Glenveagh National Park.
The journey concludes at Colmcille’s Abbey, near where he was born, where a Turas can be enjoyed by those who wish to participate.
The goal for Slí Cholmcille, (meaning ‘St Colmcille’s Way’) is to link many existing walks and trails to develop a marked walking route though Donegal from Glencolmcille in the south west through to Gartan and on into Derry and Inishowen.
The further extension of this ambitious project is to link across the North of Ireland and on to the Scottish island of Iona where Colmcille founded an abbey and where he was buried.
Chairperson of the Slí group, Eunan Friel, explains: “Our Slí is an innovative plan to create a long-distance pilgrim trail based on the paths and places of St Colmcille, one of the island of Ireland’s most important early Christian Saints.
“The full ambition for the Slí envisions a trail of continuous walking that extends some 460km, linking the main Columban heritage sites across Donegal, Northern Ireland and western Scotland, with the walker ultimately journeying between Colmcille’s native Donegal and his resting place in on the island of Iona in Scotland.”
He added: “The initial phase of the Slí begins in Glencolmcille in south Donegal and travels north and east through significant heritage sites, reaching Gartan (recognised as the birthplace of Colmcille) before traveling onward to Derry and Shroove (Inishowen).
“Walking the Slí offers walkers a unique outdoor experience through some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes as well as the opportunity for personal peace and reflection, inspired by the journey, places and values of Colmcille”.
While a number of seven day Slí walks have taken place in recent years, this year they hope to capture the flavour of the ambition for the project to a wider audience with a special one-day event.
Slí Cholmcille committee member Anne McGowan, explains they have had wonderful feedback from those who have walked this ‘Way’ and want others to experience the essence of this pilgrim trail steeped in natural beauty and history.
Anne said: Slí Cholmcille is a new, exciting and ambitious pilgrimage close to home, a getaway to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parts of the world.”
The walk will start at St Michael’s Church in Creeslough on Saturday June 7 with registration at 9am.
From there walkers will be guided through native forest, country lanes, ancient bog roads and a short section of roadway arriving at the historic St Colmcille’s Abbey in Gartan via the stunning Glenveagh National Park.
Please be advised this one-day walk is 18km long, occasionally over uneven terrain, mountain tracks and hills, which requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility to complete safely.
Committee member, Brian McGarvey says the legacy of St Colmcille, also known as St Columba, is of major significance being one of the most revered saints in Irish history.
“Born in 521 AD in what is now County Donegal, he is celebrated for his profound influence on the religious, cultural, and social landscape of Ireland and Scotland. Alongside St Patrick and St Brigid, Colmcille is one of Ireland’s three patron saints. His legacy endures through the monasteries he founded, the cultural and religious traditions he established, and the values he espoused.”
This event is supported by Glenveagh National Park, Creeslough Community Association, Creeslough Town Team, Donegal Local Development Company and D
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