Skibereen routes

Buzwaldo

Got a late call up to head to west cork for the weekend. Any nice 60 to 100 k loops down there (I'm sure there are plenty, just don't have time for loads of research).
Any 'notable' climbs in the vicinity that I should do? Not looking for massive metres gained, just if there are one or two special ones I can boast about after.
Or should I just stick to the peninsulas / coastal routes?
Thanks in advance.

pelevin

Afraid I don't know of any cycling routes but if you can, spin over to Lough Hyne, a left turn about 3 to 4 miles out of Skibb on the way to Baltimore. Serious beauty spot, & I suppose a nice enough climb in itself out of Lough Hyne. If you went with mountain bikes it'd be an interesting ride up the climb through the woods there but maybe a bit too challenging.
In terms of serious climbs in the vicinity, towards Schull there's Mount Gabriel with 2 weather stations or some such things on top which the IRA bombed back in the late 80s I think. Dunno if it's possible to cycle it but worth checking out. Would want to be respectably fit to do it if it is possible to go up it.

Mr. Grieves

pelevin wrote: »

In terms of serious climbs in the vicinity, towards Schull there's Mount Gabriel with 2 weather stations or some such things on top which the IRA bombed back in the late 80s I think. Dunno if it's possible to cycle it but worth checking out. Would want to be respectably fit to do it if it is possible to go up it.

Mt Gabriel is a nice climb, steep but decent surface and good views. I've done it return from Baltimore, nice spin.

Round Lough Hyne is very scenic. There's some signposted cycling route from Skib to Baltimore which seems to take you on very steep and poorly surfaced roads - I've only driven round there - nice views again though.

I'm sure somebody local could give you better info though.

2 Wheels Good

Couple of loops from the West Cork 200 that you could look at.
It's a nice spin west over to mount Gabriel. We do it as part of the West Cork emergency cycle. It's about 90km going from Skibbereen to Drimoleague, on to Bantry, over through Durrus and on up past mount Gabriel. Skibb to Drimoleague is boring enough though so I'd just head further west beyond Schull if you want to clock up a few miles.
Mount Gabriel is the nearest tough climb. If you just want a nice leg loosener head east from Skibbereen for Castletownshend, Union Hall, Glandore, on to Rosscarbery. That's all quiet enough roads along the coast with some nice little climbs.

Mr. Grieves

Mt Gabriel:

Buzwaldo

Thanks guys. Will probably try to get coastal following part of west cork routes and look for mt Gabriel climb. Will spin with kids to L hyne hopefully.

Haven't done much there though I've a lot of family there, but love cycling out to Tragumna and Toe Head from Skibb. Such a nice part of the world.

Must get down there soon.

pelevin

If you have the time & the kids are able for it, climbing the woods at Lough Hyne should keep everyone happy for an afternoon.

REBELSAFC

Have a look at this thread from earlier in the week. Stick to the coast and peninsulas.Try and fit in the R596 loop

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=90554949

REBELSAFC

Try This. About 50k,a bit hilly but apart from a short, very steep hill just past Lough Hyne, not too bad.

Head east toward Castletownshend, and just before the village (about 8k) turn right and follow the R596 Coast Rd towards Tragumna. From Tragumna head back to Skibb and at the roundabout turn left towards Lough Hyne. Hug the coast on the right hand side of Lough Hyne and you will get to a poorly surfaced short climb. At the next T junction turn left towards Baltimore. Have "refreshments" in Baltimore before heading back to Skibb by following the course of the Ilen River.

Make sure to enjoy the views along the way!!!

Buzwaldo

Ok well I'm staying between Skib and Ballydehob so this morning I headed to Ballydehob, Schull, right over Mt. Gabriel down to Durris. There I continued the West Cork 100 route , right up over the peninsula and down the other side. Interesting to say the least- the 'road' had a full grass centre, and while I can only climb so fast, I expect to be able to descend faster. Not on this road you won't if you have any respect for body or bike. And they bring a sportive up here!!
On down into the beautiful town of Bantry.
Onwards then towards Dunmanway, up n a plateau road, but time getting scarce so took a right for Drimoleague. Steep enough narrow road so didn't get the full benefit of the altitude I gained.
Coffee and a Danish in Drimoleague, met a couple there who I shared the work back to Skibereen - helped to up my average. Spin back to the house in time for dinner - 105 k in all.
Beautiful part of the world, and some nice cycling. There is a choice between scenic coastal roads / bohareens, and good rolling main roads. Today I had a nice mix of both and enjoyed them all, even the character building Durris descent.
Took a Sunday drive then over to Lough Hyne - truly beautiful, even on a mizzly day like today. Now the climb up from there was hard work in the car - hairpins in second gear!! That would be a real challenge on a bike. Something to look forward to for the next time.
Thanks guys for all advice.

Buzwaldo

Pics above Durris.

pelevin

Buzwaldo wrote: »

Pics above Durris.

They should have taken the Giro down south to descend that road.

ruffmut

REBELSAFC wrote: »

Try This. About 50k,a bit hilly but apart from a short, very steep hill just past Lough Hyne, not too bad.

Head east toward Castletownshend, and just before the village (about 8k) turn right and follow the R596 Coast Rd towards Tragumna. From Tragumna head back to Skibb and at the roundabout turn left towards Lough Hyne. Hug the coast on the right hand side of Lough Hyne and you will get to a poorly surfaced short climb. At the next T junction turn left towards Baltimore. Have "refreshments" in Baltimore before heading back to Skibb by following the course of the Ilen River.

Make sure to enjoy the views along the way!!!

I did this route a short while ago and added the loop to Union Hall and Glandore. It was a great route with some fabulous scenery along the way.