Lee Fields

LEE FIELDS WALK 21.07.10
Nowadays, you may begin the Lee Fields Walk at the southern side of Wellington Bridge but if you have a car you’d be better off to park it at the start of the Straight Road (on the right).
As you move along the tarmac path, the river is on your right and there are good views of the Municipal Waterworks and the long building (formerly the hospital) and, on the left, the County Hall.
Continue now behind the Kingsley Hotel which seems to have suffered a fatal blow in last winter’s floods and soon you are in the traditional Lee Fields walk where quite a few other people are normally out and about. The river is often a hive of activity, canoes and swimmers in the water.
There is an extension to the Lee Fields Walk along the farm fields of Carrigrohane. The river is close on your right and some decent views open out: houses on the opposite bank and in the higher ground above, perhaps horses grazing, river birdlife, nice stands of trees, wild flowers and fishermen also.
The path at the start of the extended walk is packed earth, a few feet wide. Later this becomes just a single line in the grass, but easily followed, all the way to a gate and exit at the end of the straight road.
THE LEE FIELDS 10.11.09
Though its main attraction, the public swimming baths, has long since gone, the Lee Fields on the Western side of the city, is still used by citizens and visitors alike.
The baths may be gone but there is still a small group of hardy swimmers that can be seen in all seasons taking a dip in the river.
Here the walks are relatively long so you can exercise yourself and the dog or vice versa. Plenty of space to walk and jog along the riverside path and the grassy area can be used to stretch out on the sunny days.
Workers from nearby offices (including the County Hall) can take the air and have a snack on the grass during lunchtime. Impromptu games of football take place here and, from the river bank, you can also see the fishermen and canoeists in action.
The Lee Fields «where we sported and played» have been occasionally used for open air concerts but are generally left to the joggers and the strollers and the courting couples!