County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie

County Kildare Walking Routes Project
EVALUATION WALKING ROUTE 3: Barrow Way 1 (Lowtown to Monasterevin) (Map Series 3A, B, C)
No. Walk Title
Mark Score Comments
1. Nature and Characteristics of the Route: 60 48
1.1 The variety of landscapes along the route 10 9 1
1.2 The diversity of natural flora & fauna along the route 10 9 2
1.3 How the route links between villages, towns and countryside 10 5 3
1.4 The diversity of built heritage and archaeology on the route 10 7 4
1.5 The level of co-operation from landowners along the route 10 9 5
1.6 The existence of SACs/ NHAs along the route (cf with Heritage Offices/NPWS)10 9 6
2. Physical Attributes of the Route: 70 59
2.1 Underfoot conditions along the route 5 5 8
2.2 Standard of signage, stiles, surfaces, gates 5 4
2.5 Percentage of route that is tarred or on the road 5 4 8
2.6 How accessible is the route by public/private transport 5 2 3
2.7 Is there access to heritage sites from the walking route 5 4 4
2.8 Existing local events and walking festivals 5 2 7
2.9 Suitability of the route for all levels of walker 5 4
2.10 Suitability of route for disabled access 5 3 8
2.11 Safety of road walking sections 5 4
2.12 Car parking available 5 4
2.13 Health and Safety issues recognised 5 4 5
2.14 Accessibility for the elderly and disabled 5 4 8
2.15 Opportunity to provide long and short looped walks and spurs 5 3 9
2.16 Potential local, national and international recognition 5 4 10
3. Management and Organisational Structures: 55 39
3.1 Route development, management and maintenance supported 5 5 5
3.2 Training programmes for management & promotion in place 5 4 5
3.3 Level of environmental management in place 5 4 5
3.4 Level and management of maintenance of the route 5 4 5
3.5 Private sector role and involvement 5 1
3.6 Public sector role and involvement 5 4 5
3.7 Walk Manager identified 5 2
3.8 Voluntary sector role and involvement 5 3 11
3.9 Evidence of existing or previous partnership/collaborative working 5 2 12
3.10 Legal structure in place 5 5 5
3.11 Insurance in place 5 5 5
4. Commercial Attributes of the Route: 40 23
4.1 Walker friendly services present 5 2 13
4.2 Availability of food in cafes, pubs and restaurants 5 5 13
4.3 Accommodation provided on or close to route 5 2 13
4.4 Availability of associated products and services e.g. visitor
attractions and activities 5 5 14
4.5 Availability of existing tour packages and operators 5 2 15
4.6 Opportunity to cross-sell to other activities and attractions 5 3 16
4.7 Opportunity to provide services required by walkers 5 2 17
4.8 Entertainment e.g. music at night and festivals 5 2 17
5. Marketing and Sales Issues 25 16
5.1 Route marketing and promotion ongoing 5 4
5.2 Walking route guides published 5 5
5.3 Sales plan in place 5 2
5.4 Links to sales intermediaries established 5 1
5.5 Links to website/information services in place 5 4 18
TOTAL 250 177