On the Greenways bike trails

On the greenway bike trail

The 42km Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The Greenway is a traffic free cycling and walking trail which follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937. greenway.ie

Lorna Hogg features some of the cycle greenways which seem to be appearong all over the country

We are lucky to live in a country in which it is possible to keep fit whilst enjoying beautiful countryside – and thanks to the growth of cycleways, what better way is there to enjoy the views than by bike? The variety of available greenways, tracks and gradients is as varied as the range of scenery – and they are just the places to relax and enjoy socially distanced breaks. From riverside boardwalks to tracks across bogs or forest parks; from hairpin mountain climbs to reclaimed railway routes - this country is the ideal place to `get on yer bike..’

The first thing to consider is your fitness level – and realise that there is a cycle track for everyone. Do you happily cycle on public roads, or prefer smooth tarmac traffic free greenways, ? Do you enjoy the challenge of mountain inclines – or forest paths? Are you familiar with mountain bikes, classic roadsters – or do you feel most comfortable with the basic bikes of childhood?

Next – how do you want to travel? Do you want to bring your bike with you, via the train or on your car, or hire at your destination? Are you looking for a day’s outing, a short break or to train for some serious cycling trips? Do you want to go alone or with a family member or partner? Is cycling the main consideration, or do you want to combine it with sightseeing? What follows is a selection of some of the options available all round the country.

The Boyne Greenway This is a 2 km track, including sections of pleasant boardwalk, greenway and cycletrack, along the south bank section of the river and canal, running from Drogheda to the Battle of The Boyne Centre at Oldbridge. Perfect for cycling `newbies’, it takes you to the entrance of Centre, at Oldbridge House. Once there, you don’t have to be an history buff to the enjoy the displays, the battlefield site – and the excellent cafe. Pre-booking for the tour is necessary. bestwalks.ie discoverboynevalley.ie battle of the boyne.ie There are truly beautiful views in this legend rich area, including the myth filled Cooley Mountains, from where legendary Finn McCool tossed the Cloughmore boulder across the Lough to Rostrevor Forest Park. An added attraction is the ferry, (check website for details) with a 15 minute trip from Greenore to Greencastle. www.carlingfordloughgreenway.ie www.carlingfordferry.com

The Newry Canal Greenway The 29 kms route covers the old railway line from Portadown to Newry. One ideal stretch for visitors is the 2 kms Portadown to Scarva route, along the old canal, built to carry linen and coal for export. Start from Portadown, which has train links, and cycle through the peaceful unchanged canalside countryside to Moneypenny’s Lock, Craigavon, Another mile takes you to Scarva, which has 4 train connections per day on the Portadown/ Newry line. cycleni.com

Arthur’s Way A flat and scenic rural route, it takes in the history of Arthur Guinness and the story of Guinness, over its 16 kms in Kildare. The trail starts at the junction of the rivers Liffey and Rye, at Leixlip. It then moves to Celbridge, where Arthur learned the brewing trade from his father, and is of course, also home to Castletown House. The Lyons Estate is en route, as well as Hazelhatch, where the Guinness barges started for Dublin. The trail ends at Oughterard, where Arthur is buried. The route takes in footpaths and tracks, with short spells on roads. Whilst county lockdown has ended at time of going to press, check latest details before travel. www.intokildare.ie

Waterford Greenway This 46 kms route, is based on yet another old railway – the defunct Waterford to Dungarvan line. Divided into six sections, ranging from 3kms to 13 kms, it is justifiably popular, for its views and also old railway structures. The Kilmeaden section passes by Mount Congreve, one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens, famed for its spring blooms. The Greenway has spendid views, eleven bridges and three viaducts, and railway buffs love the `spooky’ 400m tunnel at Ballyvoyle, on the Durrow section. waterfordgreenway.com

Lough Boora Discovery Park, Co Offaly The Discovery Park offers 22kms of trails of differing challenges, taking in the wide open spaces, with lakes and wetlands of this previously commercially developed bog, near to Tullamore. There are cycling, angling and bird watching possibilities, with several routes, almost all of which are open to cyclists. The tracks are gravel, and there are wide open spaces to enjoy,th splendid views over to the Slieve Blooms. Check the website for details – e.g. one way walking system and limited bike hire and toilets loughboora.com

The Cavan Lakes, Killykeen The Killykeen Forest Park juts out into Lough Oughter and is about five miles from Cavan town. The Family Cycle Trail of 3 kms, is excellent for a quiet ride, especially for `starter’ cyclists, who are rewarded with forest surroundings of conifer and broadwood. Cycle through magnificent autumn colour or spring green, with squirrel or birdspotting potential. www.coillte.ie

Muckross Park grounds, Killarney National Park The magnificent lakeside and mountain scenery in Killarney, draws international tourists, including cyclists. However, whilst there are superb cycle trails in the area, they can be challenging. If you want to experience the views – on a gentle gradient or on the flat, then the 10 kms of cycling around Muckross House in Killarney National Park is an ideal and popular choice. Enjoy views of lake, mountain and ancient forests, on the anti-clockwise trail – and to add to enjoyment, the beautiful Muckross House and an excellent cafe are on hand. The Park and facilities were open at time of going to press, - however, check for latest details. killarneynationalpark.ie muckrosshouse.ie

Competition results from the last issue

Portumna Forest Park, Co Galway The 10.50 kms Bonaveen Cycling Trail in the park, is rated as `moderate’ and is one kilometre from the town of Portumna. It allows a chance to pass through conifer forests, with ash and beech `patches’ and also along the lakeshore, including the Bonaveen Point section. You will have good views out over Lough Derg. There is a good variety of trees also to be spotted here – and if you’re very lucky, perhaps glimpses of a red squirrel or fallow deer. Sadly the Park suffered damage during the recent Storm Ellen, so check coilte.ie for opening details. irishtrails.ie greenway.ie osi.ie cyclingireland.ie

Making the grade

Gradings for cyclists usually run from 1-5, and are useful when checking trails suitability.

1. You are unused to any exercise, or cycling, especially with modern bikes. 2. You are an occasional cyclist. 3. You are a regular cyclist, used to flat surfaces. 4. You are a regular cyclist, familiar with gears and modern bikes, and familiar with steep gradients. 5. You are a regular cyclist, familiar with a variety of surfaces and climbs, and participate in various cycling events.

Check the websites before travel as lockdown requirements and recent storm damage may have altered openings and facilities.

Crossword Tom Burke, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 Marie Murphy, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny Adele Trapnell, Killiney, Co Dublin Marie Porter, Buncrana, Co Donegal James O’Riordan, Dublin 7

Three copies of Donegal Table Harriett Warren, Borris, Co Carlow Maureen Lawlor Celbridge, Co Kildare Mary Mohan, Caherlistrane, Galway

Alice Taylor competition James Killeen, Limerick Anne Mackey, Ballintemple, Co Cork Kathleen Finnegan, Waterford Eileen McGrath, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny Deirdre Maloney, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Three copies of The River Shannon, Ireland’s Majestic Waterway Cathal O’Connor, Cork Chris Boylan, Dublin 24 Mary Walshe, Dundalk

Falls Hotel competition Michael McDonald, Terenure, Dublin 6W

Four copies Mozart double CD Philomena Ryan, Dublin 4 Margaret Carr, Cork Frances Dolan, Dublin 6 James Kiernan, Sligo