Walking Post podcast 52: North South Way Peace Camino

Three guests and one story this week. We talk to Paul O'Neill, secretary of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland – Newry Portadown Branch; Jonny Keer, heritage officer, Moneypenny's Forge; and Shirley Hayes, service manager of REACT Armagh, about the new North South Way Peace Camino that runs from Newry, in Northern Ireland, to Carlingford, in the Republic of Ireland.The North South Way Peace Camino is a community-led initiative designed to connect people, places and communities.It is a 40-mile route following the Newry Canal Towpath and the shoreline of Carlingford Lough. The initiative aims to create a shared space where people can walk, connect with nature, explore heritage and take part in activities that support wellbeing and community connection.The Peace Camino is intended to become a community corridor that supports group walks, creative programmes, heritage engagement and community programmes, while also creating opportunities for local businesses, social enterprises and community organisations.REACT CEO Shirley Hayes said the North South Way Peace Camino is a shared pathway for connection, wellbeing and opportunity, that invites people to walk together, strengthen communities and contribute to a peaceful future.The initiative is also being supported through partnership working, including collaboration with Ulster University’s International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), which will contribute to research and learning on the role of walking, nature and connection in supporting wellbeing and post-conflict recovery.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]