For an amazing mountain biking challenge check out the new Slieve Bloom Mountain Biking trails. You won’t be disappointed. Ardmore Country House is the perfect place to stay in the village of Kinnitty which is one of the mounatin biking trailheads in the Slieve Blooms
The Trails
The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike trails are a new addition to the great outdoor experience in the Slieve Blooms. These trails are a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designed for use by mountain bikes on waymarked circular routes.
There are two trailheads, one at Kinnitty which starts in the village and the other at Baunreagh. The routes are graded blue (moderate) and red (difficult/severe).
At present there are 35K of loop trails completed at Kinnitty, one blue trail and 2 more challenging red trails. When complete, there will be more than 80kms of trails ranging from blue to black grade through vast swathes of beautiful forest and open land with fantastic views over Kinnitty Castle, the village and beyond. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty single track with loads of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you breathless and smiling.
Facilities at Ardmore Country House for bikers include secure lock up storage, bike wash facilities and drying room. Check here to book. Bike hire is available on the premises at Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre We are just across the road from the Slieve Bloom Bar where they make some great craft beers.
TRAIL MAP
This is a challenging trail throughout as the trails vary from fast and flowing to tight, technical and rocky, with numerous difficult sections along the route. The trail constantly twists and turns and rises up and down. This trail tests all a riders skills and abilities and is not for novice riders (red grade trail).
Over half of the loop is singletrack and these sections are narrow, sometimes steep and up to 800mm in width, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. The singletrack also crosses walking trails and forest roads at a number of points so watch out for walkers here. The remainder of the loop is on forest roads and you should expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time on these parts of the loop.
The trail is quite exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. Please make sure your mountain bike is in good working order and that you have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake these trails. All riders should be appropriately dressed and wear a helmet at all times. Please ride with consideration for the many other forest users and control your speed.
Trail Information:
Trail Name: Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail (Laois)
Start/Finish Point: Baunreagh Car Park
Length: 6km
Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult/Severe
Meters Climb: 170
Trail Waymarking: Red
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