This is a peaceful trail with woodland scenery. A great introduction to trail running, it’s within driving distance of Kilkenny or Waterford. Start this looped trail at Castlemorris “Grand Gates”. There is usually ample parking on weekdays. At weekends, you may need to park at the new parking area at Aghaviller instead – 52.465283, 7.268213 and join the route from there. Follow the signed purple route. Entering through the gates, you will pass the Gate Lodge on the right-hand side. Head straight up into the woods. After a 1 km climb you pass the ruins of Castlemorris House Courtyard, and the route levels out into the “Laurel walk”. After about 2km, you’ll turn right onto a quiet road where you ‘ll ascend again. Close to the top of the hill, take a left turn back into the woods and the downhill part of the trail begins. You will come out onto the road again for about 0.5km and then a left turn into the woods will bring you back to the Grand Gates. The trail is forestry roads, grassy path and country roads. There is a mobile coffee dock at the gates on Saturdays and Sundays and a few picnic tables. There are shorter alternative routes all starting at the Grand Gates, which can make great additions to the main route if you want to run longer.
Route Data:
- Distance: 7k
- Elevation Gain: 160m
- Terrain: Forestry road, grassy path and country roads
- GPS Starting Point: 52.4707010, -7.278245
