Boyne Ramparts Walk on the Boyne Navigation
8 km one way (16 km return) ·
About
The Boyne Navigation is the old canal and towpath that ran between Navan and Drogheda, and the stretch of it with a published, signed walk near the village is the Boyne Ramparts walk upstream. It is a linear 8km (16km return) along the old towpath between the Broadboyne Bridge trailhead near Stackallen, about five kilometres west of Slane, and the Ramparts car park at Navan, with interpretive panels, canal locks, Babe's Bridge and the ruins of Dunmoe Castle and Ardmulchan Church along the way. The Boyne is a Special Area of Conservation and the towpath is good for kingfisher, heron and, early or late in the day, otter. Downstream of Slane Bridge, past Morgan's Lock at Rossnaree and Broe Lock toward the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and Staleen, Meath County Council's planned Boyne Greenway from Navan to Oldbridge would follow much of the towpath, but that scheme is still in planning, so do not assume a continuous public path there yet.
Highlights
- ✓Old canal locks and towpath of the Boyne Navigation
- ✓Babe's Bridge, Dunmoe Castle and Ardmulchan Church
- ✓Kingfisher, heron and otter on a Special Area of Conservation
Tips
- →Broadboyne Bridge has parking for about eight cars; the Navan trailhead car park is pay and display.
- →It is linear, so either walk it there and back or arrange a lift from Navan.
- →The Navan to Oldbridge greenway is a proposal, not an open route; downstream of Slane, check access before setting out.
Best Season
More Walk Activities
Slane Historic Trail
A self-guided 2.2km loop of plaques and panels from the Square, up Chapel Street and down to Slane Mill on the Boyne.
Activity
Littlewood Forest
Littlewood Forest
A Coillte wood on the Collon road a mile from Slane, with an easy 2km loop from the car park.