Ballyhoura - First time

keith_d99

Hi all,

Making first trip to Ballyhoura (and first trail) - probably going to give the 17km trail a go. Any tips?? Is there a spot to get some lunch near the trails?

Home:Ballyhoura

Ya, just go at your own pace and don't try to impress others by showing off because that is when it becomes dangerous and accidents happen. It isn't too technical, just singletrack trails. That 17km should take you around an hour and a half (plus or minus an hour depending on how fast you go or how many breaks you take!). I think you can get tea/coffee and maybe at bit more at the trail start sometimes, not 100% sure but there are small pubs and towns within 10mins where you can get a bite to eat! Have fun

keith_d99

Was excellent - great facilities - brilliant trails - would highly recomend!

CatFromHue

hi keith d99
where were you travelling from?
the reason i ask is that im a dub who has thought about going down.

keith_d99

Hi CatFromHue,

Travelled from Limerick - only a 45 min drive.
Dunno how it compares to the trails in Wicklow - but from what I have read Ballyhoura is much better in terms of facilities (clean showers, toilets, and bike wash - which were esstential at the end/start of the trails).

Defo worth a trip - even from Dublin.

Keith

CatFromHue

well there is no shower or bike wash in ballinastoe and the only toilet is the one mothe rnature provides so yeah it sounds like the facilities are better.

i must ballyhoura ago sometime then, how long did you actually spend on the tracks timewise?

keith_d99

Did the brown trail - 17km - over 2 hours at a leisurely pace taking a few breaks along the way (for rest and to admire the views)

1 tricky bit - a tree branch strategically placed so you have to duck slightly when on one of the boardwalks

thebouldwhacker

keith_d99 wrote: »

1 tricky bit - a tree branch strategically placed so you have to duck slightly when on one of the boardwalks

as someone who is 6'3" I know the exact branch you speak of. It cliped my back pack on sunday, if I wasnt expecting it it would have been a bog bath for me...

I've been thinking of suggesting a boards ballyhoura cycle?!?

The lads in xtc 1 would sort out any rental of bikes if people didnt want to transport their own the lenght of the country (VERY well maintained RockHoppers, I think they are changing to KTM's in the next few weeks) so that could make travel a lot easier for those intrested?!?

I'm pretty sure all would be welcome with all levels catered for... With full gear they charge €40 a day, its only €5 to park, €2 for a hot, clean power shower, €2 for the bike wash (I think)

I reckon it could a be a runner. Give those white line chasers on their lady bikes a run for their money

(thebouldwhacker ducks for cover;))

I'm gonna post this as a seprate thread I think....

bonnieprince

Yes we should suggest or put a sign up on that branch warning 6 footers to duck.
Ballyhoura rocks, cant wait to get back there thats if keith_d99 can keep up with me

silverside

I'd be interested in heading to Ballyhoura for the weekend (or indeed to Ballinastoe for the day) if there's a few people going - should have my bike sorted pretty soon... It's what, a 4 hour drive from Dublin? so prob a bit far for a day trip, for me anyhow

fair play to Coillte for putting the facilities in place