Slieve Bloom Way
The Slieve Bloom Way is a long-distance trail of 52 miles around the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Leinster, running through two counties; Laois and Offaly. It is a circular route that begins and ends at Glenbarrow, near the village of Rosenallis, in County Laois. The walk is typically completed in four days.[1]
The route is designated as a 'National Waymarked Trail' by the National Trails Office and is managed by the two local councils, Laois Integrated Development Company, Coillte and the Slieve Bloom Development Association.[2]
The Slieve Bloom Way was devised by a local man, Tom Joyce, and opened in 1987.[3]
The route
Starting at Glenbarrow, the Slieve Bloom Way follows the Ridge of Capard before descending to the road at Monicknew Bridge.[4] It then passes through forestry on the slopes of Gorteenameale before following an ancient route over the Glendine Gap below Arderin, the highest mountain in the Slieve Bloom range.[5]
The trail then follows the River Camcor to the townland of Glenregan.[6]
Crossing the Silent River Valley, the route climbs Spink hill and descends into the Glenkeen Valley.[7] The final stage crosses Glendineoregan and Knocknastumba to reach the banks of the River Barrow, which it follows to the end at Glenbarrow.[8]
Outside links
- Slieve Bloom Way on IrishTrails (Irish Sports Council)
- Slieve Bloom Way at SlieveBloom.ie
References
- ↑ Slieve Bloom Way on IrishTrails (Irish Sports Council)
- ↑ National Trails Office 2010, p. 43.
- ↑ Siggins, Lorna (1 August 1987). "Blooms in the blood". The Irish Times (Dublin): p. A6.
- ↑ Fewer 1996, p. 199.
- ↑ Fewer 1996, pp. 201-204.
- ↑ Fewer 1996, p. 204.
- ↑ Fewer 1996, p. 207.
- ↑ Fewer 1996, p. 209.
- Fewer, Michael (1996). The Way-marked Trails of Ireland. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan. ISBN 0-7171-2386-3.