Tintern Abbey Walking Trail

GARDENER’S TRAIL
Distance: .9km (.6 miles)
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 20min
Waymarking: Blue

Gardener’s Trail – This walk starts at Tintern Abbey, which was founded in the early 13th century. Cross the Tintern River via the old stone bridge and enjoy the mixed woodland containing 200-year-old beech trees. About half way, discover the Colclough Walled Garden (admission charge) which once supplied the Colclough family who lived in the abbey. Look out for the ruins of the head gardener’s cottage on the return path to the trailhead. This trail is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users.

DEMESNE TRAIL
Distance : 2.4km (1.5 miles)
Ascent : 50m
Walking time: 40min
Waymarking: Red
Grade: Easy

Tintern Demesne Trail – This walk along the Tintern River and around the demesne boundary shows Nature’s bounty, including fine beech, oak, and chestnut trees as well as kingfishers, egrets, buzzards, red squirrels, stoats, and seven types of bat. As the path winds through the woods, enjoy picturesque views of the Abbey across the green pasture.

BANNOW BAY TRAIL
Distance: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Ascent: 50m
Walking time: 1-1.5hr
Waymarking: Green
Grade: Moderate

Bannow Bay Trail – Starting at the abbey, this trail meanders through the Deal park and on to the Brickfield where the bricks to construct the walled garden were made. Your walk will take in the old estate village of Saltmills. Cross over Saltmills bridge, following part of the Wexford coastal path and, after passing St. Mary’s ‘First Fruit’ church, turn right and follow the edge of Bannow Bay. This area is home to an old IRA memorial, a rare double lime kiln, a grounded dredger and is rich in bird
life. Follow the road uphill to a crossroads, turn left, and eventually cross the L4041 road. Climb over the stile and a tranquil leafy lane returns you to the trailhead.

FOXBORO TRAIL
Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Ascent: 200m
Walking time: 1hr
Waymarking: Purple
Grade: Moderate

Foxboro Trail – This woodland trail along the Tintern river includes some climbs. It offers a pleasant serene landscape and the combination of drifts of ferns, bluebells and wild garlic makes this a stunning walk in springtime.

DON’T MISS
A Cistercian abbey (seasonal visitor centre).
A restored, working, Georgian walled garden (open all year).
A haven for wildlife.
The nearby village of Fethard on Sea with its amenities and beaches.
Heritage features including the remnants of an 18th century demesne.
GETTING HERE
Directions: From the R733, take the L4041 and, after 1km, turn right at the entrance to Tintern Abbey. Continue to Trailhead at the abbey. Alternative trailhead located in Saltmills village.