Borlin Valley spin

Masala

Hi....

Just wondering would anyone know how to do the the above route by starting in Kenmare and returning by descending into Kilgarvan and then back to Kenmare

The last time I done it I came at it from Kilnamartyr on the Cork side. But want to start and finish in Kenmare this time.

Many thanks

Mefistofelino

Depends how much horribleness you want in your day! You can leave Kenmare and take the N71 over the Caha Pass ("Tunnel Road") to Glengarriff and from there head towards Bantry. About 8 km after Glengarriff, you'll come across a turn to the left (just before a sweeping right-hand bend) with two signposts, for Coomhola and Kilgarvan. Take this left and after 1.5 km jink right and left over a small bridge and follow the Kilgarvan / Borlin signs up the valley. The descent to Kilgarvan used to have some fairly stupendous potholes in the past - don't know what its like now.

An alternative is to leave Kenmare on the N71 and after a few km, head to the back-roads on your left until you find the one over Priests Leap! It will eventually drop down to the small bridge mentioned above. However, Priests Leap is very long, very steep, very narrow and has a poor surface. Unless you have to cross it off your bucket-list, the Caha Pass would be a less-hassle option.

The routes are reasonably clear on Google Maps

Masala

Cool.... that's perfect directions. I think I know where u are talking about now.!

Only will do it on a Sunny day... at leisurely pace. Will be taking plenty of breaks to take in the sights!

Many thanks

twaimkit

Hi Masala,

I did it last september and i have uploaded (I hope) the route I did. It was hard not to take your time as the scenery was fab and weather perfect.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/137963054.
Hope this link works. If not let me know and il try importing another way.

ROK ON

Coffee stop in Mannings of Ballylickey is a must.
Enjoy.
It's a stunning cycle.

Masala

i have uploaded (I hope) the route I did

Perfect... many thanks! 75kms and out for 4hrs +/- is ideal for me ...especially with an 8am start!

Do you hit Ballylickey on this route??

ROK ON

No.
When I do that route I take a small (3km detour) toward Bantry.
Then have coffee.
Adds 6k to the journey in total but well worth it.
Glengariff is lovely but nowhere decent at all for coffee and as for Kilgarvan.

If you are starting or finishing I Kenmare then the following places are great for coffee and cake:
Truffle Pig
Jam - owner is a keen cyclist and is very good to cyclists.
The Rose Garden.

All top class joints.
It's been ages since I've been over the Borlin - it is my favourite cycle. O. A clear day it is absolutely breathtaking. Very few places as beautiful.

twaimkit

Hi Masala,
As ROK on says no I didn't hit ballylickey on the route but it wouldn't be a huge detour. I plan to head back down soon and will add onto last years route and maybe even give priests leap a lash if im feeling brave (or stupid:)) as ive given up the granny gear on my new bike!!!

geros29

Does anyone know what category climb up borlin frm kilgarvin?did it couple weeks ago,surface is poor on kilgarvin side.great spin.

twaimkit

On map my ride it says grade 5 and 4 but it feels grand like a gradual incline. if you want to check the earlier link to map my ride on this thread it has some elevation data heading up from Kilgarvan

geros29

Just don't see much difference between that and healy pass which is supposed to be cat 1.last bit is steep but rest gradual enuf.we lucky around here in west cork Kerry great training ground!

twaimkit

I wouldn't be too knowlegable on cat of climbs and healy pass doesn't feel like too challenging a climb go be above acatagory4 but I usually go by map my ride or strava but neither of them have healy pass as a cat 1 climb
http://app.strava.com/activities/44135432

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/137404143

geros29

Maybe I made that up when I was goin up to make myself feel better!think I read it in some preview to ras na mumhan.sheeps head cycle Sunday mornin with valley wheelers 125k.sign on 8am inchigeelagh.5euro entry.nice spin.bitv promo work for club.done!

twaimkit

Enjoy. Unfortunatley work will be keeping mise off the bike until next Tuesday so will have to settle for planning some routes for next days off.
Hope the weather holds up for sheeps head and all the catagory 1 climbs:) youl be doing!!