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2021 Armagh Apple Blossom Trail Walks with Barbara

 You say Armagh, and I see the hill
with the two tall spires or the square low tower;
the faith of Patrick is with us still;
his blessing falls in a moonlight hour,
when the apple orchards are all in flower.
(Poet   John Hewitt)

 LANE WALK 1
"THE LONG LOANINS OF KILMORE WALK"
(Provisionally on Sunday 25 April)
Just about 5 miles outside the ancient City of Armagh, perched on a low hilltop sits the crossroads of Kilmore. 20th Century Irish Poet John Hewitt wrote about walking the lanes of Kilmore when visiting his grandmother here. A fertile land once a monastic settlement of the Culdees. Today during the apple blossom season these rolling hills are awash with the hues of pink apple blossom. A guided walk through the twisty lanes of this ancient landscape will not only allow you to enjoy the beauty of the apple blossom but learn a lot about life past and present in this ancient settlement.
Approx 4 mile round walk.

 LANE WALK 2
LOUGHGALL VILLAGE TO ORCHARD FARM WALK
(Provisionally on Sunday 2 May)
Step out in the pretty Conservation Village of Loughgall and enjoy an interesting walk through its historical past. Today the grand entrance and leafy driveway to the Copes Manor House is quite the landmark of the village. The well known 18thC poet Jonathan Swift spent a lot of time with the Copes when in need of a break from Dublin. Leave the village behind and take to the lanes nearby to enjoy the panoramic views over the orchards. Identify the timeline of the apple tree as you guess the ages of the various orchards in view.
Approx 4 mile round walk.

 LANE WALK 3
DAN WINTER’S COTTAGE ORCHARD LANE WALK
(Provisionally on Sunday 9 May)
On the outskirts of Loughgall village tucked back in its farmyard sits Dan Winter’s Cottage. Take a step back in time and hear all about Dan Winter and this amazing traditional weaver’s thatched cottage. Leave the cottage behind and walk the steep hill known as The Diamond Hill only to discover more history and numerous orchards in blossom in sight.
Approx 3 mile round walk.

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