Bray Head

Potency

Hello,
I bought a mountain bike a few weeks ago mainly for commuting but with the intention of trying some mountain biking. I've only realised there's not really a lot of trails or off road areas around. So i was thinking bray head, in bray, maybe approaching from the southern cross. I was wondering if it's possible, and if its allowed. Any help would be great! Thanks

Greyspoke

Unfortunately, I think Bray Head is a bit of a no-go area for mountain biking. There certainly used to be and probably still is some mtb activity up there but a proposed downhill championships on the head had to be cancellrd a few years back because of access problems. Maybe someone more familiar with the current situation can advise you better. If you have a car or are feeling sufficiently energetic, then head up to the coillte mtb trails at Ballinastoe, near Roundwood, they're perfect for newcomers.
Good luck with it.

Potency

Ah ok... i suppose i'll find somewhere else! Just had a look at ballinastoe and it looks hard! :eek: I'll do some research though! Thanks!

Potency

Right, now I wanna do it . Is ballinastoe too hard for a beginner in mountain biking?

Gavin

Balinastoe is perfect for a beginner. It's not easy at the start, but gets better and is a safe enough introduction. There's a short and long loop as well, in case you run out of puff!

Potency

Ah that sounds perfect! Cheers mate! I'll give it a go, once I feel the drive to get some exercise!

StudentC

Potency wrote: »

Hello,
I bought a mountain bike a few weeks ago mainly for commuting but with the intention of trying some mountain biking. I've only realised there's not really a lot of trails or off road areas around. So i was thinking bray head, in bray, maybe approaching from the southern cross. I was wondering if it's possible, and if its allowed. Any help would be great! Thanks

Bray Head mightn't be the best idea - I don't know what the official access policy would be but I'd say you wouldn't be too welcome there on the bike. Tends to be fairly popular with families, little old ladies and knacker drinkers - all groups who mightn't be too keen on bikers. Plus, if you were coming from the Southern Cross side you'd be crossing through Lord Meath's estate which is definitely private land.

Open to correction, but I'd suggest maybe not the best spot.

Greyspoke

The great thing about Ballinastoe is that it's plenty easy enough for a beginner to start on and yet as you get better and try to ride the trails at greater speed then so the challenge increases. There is really nothing dangerous on the trails especially if taking them slowly. The hardest part is slogging up the fire roads between the sections of singletrack

Potency

Ah that's grand, I'll give up on bray head... not too keen on losing my bike and/or getting hit with handbags and nappies . So just one final question on Ballinastoe! Is it there much choice in the directions you take when you're up there or is the track a kinda linear one? Thanks everyone

WicklowRacer

Potency wrote: »

Ah that's grand, I'll give up on bray head... not too keen on losing my bike and/or getting hit with handbags and nappies . So just one final question on Ballinastoe! Is it there much choice in the directions you take when you're up there or is the track a kinda linear one? Thanks everyone

Its linear - theres a map at the entrance and the trail is waymarked. Do not go the wrong way for your own safety, you're likely to meet oncoming traffic.

Theres also lots of unofficial trail in B'stoe - mainly from NPS races, EPICs blast and the Pog challenge. Its unmarked and you'd want to up for an adventure...

Potency

Grand, thanks! As long as its way-marked i should be grand! Thanks