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Royal Canal Cyclepath

BlazingSaddler

Hi all, there have been a number of threads over the years on this subject but struggled to find a recent one.
Does anybody know if there are plans to upgrade the towpath between Clonsilla to Castleknock. It seems half finished from Clonsilla to Porterstown but a complete job would have to be done from Porterstown to Coolmine as it is very narrow with many tree roots through the surface. I think if it was pathed there would be a good amount of use from it and would be a great cycle route.

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fasterbetter

yep still closed and at current rate of progress will be a while yet.

lights and cctv to be installed and top surface....

been down there over a few weeks and not a lot happening from week to week.

daymobrew

I emailed Waterways Ireland. They told me that it is due to be completed by the end of April.

The project is being coordinated by the Operations Department of FCC from their Grove Road offices behind the Blanchardstown Centre.

Raul.

Thanks for sharing!!

budgemook

Was thinking of cycling to Westmeath tomorrow along the canal. Anyone know it the work has finished or if it's passable?

fasterbetter

hi
just back from a walk down there
all very passable at the moment. a little rough underfoot where the new surface is not laid
very slight chance they might put back up barriers by tomorrow but highly unlikely I'd say

fasterbetter

budgemook

fasterbetter wrote: »

hi
just back from a walk down there
all very passable at the moment. a little rough underfoot where the new surface is not laid
very slight chance they might put back up barriers by tomorrow but highly unlikely I'd say

fasterbetter

Thanks. Doubt there'll be much work done on a bank holiday

daymobrew

Earlier in the week there was an impassable barrier at the M50 Aquaduct part. It looked like there was new tarmac on the eastern side of the aquaduct.

budgemook

daymobrew wrote: »

Earlier in the week there was an impassable barrier at the M50 Aquaduct part. It looked like there was new tarmac on the eastern side of the aquaduct.

Are you saying I'd be stuck at the m50?

daymobrew

budgemook wrote: »

Are you saying I'd be stuck at the m50?

On Friday morning I saw a guy heading east from 12th Lock towards that barrier. I wasn't able to wait to see if he came back.

If the barrier is still there you have two choices:
1) Bypass the Ashtown/12th Lock stretch and go along the parallel Navan Road and rejoin at 12th Lock.
2) Go along the towpath and double back a little if the barrier is still there. Here is the double back route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6293346
It uses a pedestrian bridge over the M50.

budgemook

I went down anyways. I saw a barrier at the m50 but it looked someone had thrown it aside.

Overall the terrain down to westmeath is very mixed. From around 12th lock to Coolmine it's like a forrest trail, from kilcock to Enfield is like a field, very little track at all.

Everything else ranges from grassy country boreen to near enough a back country road.

Lovely cycle with lovely views and wildlife but bring a mountain bike and spare tubes. A puncture each and a broken pump meant we called it a day at Thomastown (Nanny Quinn's pub and restaurant), took a lift to Mullingar and got the train home. The hybrid doesn't really cut it.

larryone

This morning I cycled from Clonsilla to Coolmine.
As above, the first bit up to the Porterstown bridge was decent surface, something I wouldn't mind using on a daily basis.
Then things changed.
And it was awesome.
The roots, the rocks, the muck, the intimidating drop to the water on one side. I was catapulted back to my MTB days when I was younger, it was tremendous fun. When I got to Coolmine I realised that I actually needed to get to work today and headed for Delwood road.
It's not a section for slick tyres - even the wide ones I have. I'd love to do this every morning, but it would take me much longer to get to work.
Also disappointing to note was the ^no bicycles^ sign at the start of that section. Not sure if it was because of wheels churning up more muck or if it's another case of nanny state style "health and safety".
I might have a look at the Coolmine to Castleknock section some other morning to see if it's as suitable or as much fun. =0)

beauf

I don't remember seeing a no bicycle sign on it the last time I did it.

Last time I did the bit from Porterstown to Coolmine and its misleading it looks like its going to be a bark laid/dirt path. But about 5 mins down it, its changes into a root strewn path. Also bit of it have rough spilled concrete which is just unpleasant. You think it will improve but it really doesn't. Maybe its better than my memory of it.

The stretch from Coolmine to Castleknock, is more enjoyable. A lot narrower, bigger drop, and very little margin for error. Roots but not as many.

But all of it really requires a MTB with knobbly tires, perhaps even some suspension. Its not something I'd commute on. Especially not in the dark, or a wet day/night, and probably not on your own. As if you fall its a big drop. On a good day I met a good few walkers on it.

I don't think the Royal works as a commuting route. Its much faster by road. I use the canal when its a nice day and I want a change of scenery. I go in as far as Dorset Street, from Castleknock Station.

beauf

Anyone still using this route? Have to admit I've not used it. Going by road is easier. Thinking of going if the weather keeps up though.