Slieve Bloom Way facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slieve Bloom Way |
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Trail on R440 road
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| Length | 84 kilometres (52 miles) |
| Location | Counties Laois & Offaly, Ireland |
| Designation | National Waymarked Trail |
| Trailheads | Glenbarrow |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation gain/loss | +1,275 m (4,183 ft) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Season | Any |
The Slieve Bloom Way is a long-distance trail around the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Ireland. It is an 84-kilometre (52-mile) long circular route that begins and ends at Glenbarrow, near the village of Rosenallis, County Laois. It is typically completed in four days. It is designated as a National Waymarked Trail by the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and is managed by Laois County Council, Offaly County Council, Laois Integrated Development Company, Coillte and the Slieve Bloom Development Association. The route was devised by a local man, Tom Joyce, and opened in 1987. The route was developed as part of the designation of the Slieve Bloom area as a European Environment Park in the European Year of the Environment.
Starting at Glenbarrow, the trail follows the Ridge of Capard before descending to the road at Monicknew Bridge. 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. The trail then follows the River Camcor to the townland of Glenregan. Crossing the Silent River Valley, the route climbs Spink hill and descends into the Glenkeen Valley. The final stage crosses Glendineoregan and Knocknastumba to reach the banks of the River Barrow, which it follows to the end at Glenbarrow.
