Westmeath Way

The Westmeath Way is an easy point-to-point walk of 28.4 km / 17.6 mi from Kilbeggan to Mullingar, with 112 m / 367 ft of climbing and a highest point of 105 m / 344 ft. Allow about 6 hours for the full route. It links the River Brosna lowlands with the lake country around Lough Ennell before finishing on canal-side paths into Mullingar.

This is a low-level day walk rather than a mountain outing, so the challenge comes more from the distance than from steep ground.

The route

The walk starts in Kilbeggan and heads north through gentle Westmeath countryside toward Mullingar. Along the way it passes riverside meadows, pastureland, bog road sections, woodland stretches, views over Lough Ennell, and finally canal towpath near the finish. The route is linear, so transport planning matters unless walkers arrange a lift at one end.

Even though the overall ascent is only 112 m / 367 ft, the route is long enough to feel like a full day out. The finish at Scanlan's Bridge places the end of the walk on the southern side of Mullingar, close to the canal approach into town.

Terrain and difficulty

This is an easy trail with modest height gain, descending 59 m / 194 ft overall, but it still needs steady pacing over nearly 28.4 km / 17.6 mi. Underfoot, the route mixes quiet roads with grassy riverside sections, field crossings, woodland path and canal towpath. Some of the road sections carry traffic, so high-visibility clothing is a sensible addition in dull weather.

After rain, softer riverside and field sections can be wet or overgrown, while the canal-side finish is generally more straightforward. Waterproof footwear is a good choice for the full route.

Getting there

The walk begins in Kilbeggan and ends near Mullingar, so public transport works best when used to connect the two towns rather than as a return to the same trailhead. Mullingar has a railway station on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo line, and it is also served by Bus Éireann routes including 115 from Dublin. Kilbeggan does not have a rail station, so bus or car is the more practical option for the start.

Drivers can use either town for access, but because this is a point-to-point route it is worth deciding in advance whether to leave a car in Mullingar and travel back to Kilbeggan, or arrange collection at the finish.

Highlights along the way

The character of the walk changes steadily from south to north. Early sections follow the River Brosna landscape, then the route reaches the shores and hinterland of Lough Ennell. The final approach into Mullingar uses canal-side ground, bringing a more built heritage feel after the open farmland and lakeside country farther south.

Mullingar makes a lively finish with strong transport links and a long connection to the Royal Canal.

Practical preparation

Because the route is long but not steep, the best preparation is simple: comfortable walking shoes or boots, enough food and water for about 6 hours, and layers for exposed stretches on roads and open country. HiiKER navigation is especially useful on a route that mixes several kinds of terrain and a number of road sections.