Secret path!

Treppen

Just passed this one day and notice a guy coming out on a mountain bike. Has anyone used it or know is it cycleable if I took a notion?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJ8DkKiEAi9vRnt6A

daymobrew

It's a cool way to walk down to the Lower Road - comes out opposite the Canoe Ireland training centre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yCqmxfvarDr2HoJT8

I think that it would be tough on a mountain bike (especially uphill) but the guy might have some serious quads, or low gearing.

dissq1

*1

Praetorian22

I believe it's called the Sand Pits if I'm not mistaken, must have a gander myself

Former Former Former

Yeah I've cycled it with my kids so it's very manageable, but it's narrow in places so be careful especially when it's muddy.

it's a lovely walk too, reward yourself with a beer and a pizza at the Straw Hall at the bottom.

Tigerbaby

The Path from the blue and white cottages ( The Sandpits) is known as "The Glen". It is a steep muddy track really, except during dry weather.

Its quite a pretty 10 minute downhill to the Strawberry Beds road. Nice deep stream/ravine beside you.

I wouldnt take a bike on it. Trekking shoes for grip.

Bit of a slog back uphill after a few pints in the Straw Hall !

donaghs

More info here

https://reynoldshistorycastleknockblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/the-glen-leading-down-to-the-lower-road-strawberry-beds-local-history-castleknock/

Unfortunately most of the lower road on the Strawberry Beds doesnt have footpaths.

Treppen

Great detail in that thanks

Gate Automation

Great for walk. Photos from COVID time in 2021 ;)

alias no.9

Walked it regularly about 20 years ago when I lived in Carpenters town.

I know they're renovating the Farmleigh bridge but I think a pedestrian bridge at the bottom of the Glen would make a much more usable pedestrian link between Waterstown Park and Phoenix Park using the Glen and then footpaths on towards the gate on Whites road.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121389847#Comment_121389847

I know they're renovating the Farmleigh bridge

Yes, but there is no plan to make it usable for pedestrians. The current work is to prevent it collapsing into the river.

alias no.9

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121390758#Comment_121390758

Walking along the lower road is quite precarious so I can understand why there's no plan to open it but when it was selected as a project for SDCC by a public vote, most voters had envisioned an accessible crossing linking both parks. A basic footbridge aligning with the Glen would be a much more practical solution, otherwise there will be ongoing campaigns to open the Farmleigh bridge.

daymobrew

My idea to get people across the river is a pedestrian/cycle path attached to the M50 bridge. It would get people from the top of Somerton Road (at Castleknock Hotel) to Palmerston and easily to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7731907 (zoom out to see the route)

This shows the route from Castleknock Hotel, east on Porterstown Road, up the M50 service road. At that point it would need a new ped/bike bridge to be attached to the side of the M50 bridge, ending at the existing east-west M50 bridge, which is very close to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

magicbastarder

we were told it formed part of esker riada, used to walk down it to the strawberry hall too many decades ago.

Treppen

Is the path on private property?

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121398752#Comment_121398752

It might well be, but it's been a right of way for decades. I remember going down it on a BMX in the late 80s (do not try this at home kids).

Pat Dunne

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121398872#Comment_121398872

I rode my motorbike, up and down the path of The Glen several times in the early 80’s.

My Father did the same back in the 50’s. 😎

Flinty997

I've cycled down (fun) but only about 50% (I think) of the way up, and I'm completely unfit. If you were in any shape or had an eMTB you'd make it up. I but it's too short and leads nowhere. Also you meet walkers so you can't go too fast on it. You'd have more fun on the trails in the phoenix park.