Old Rail Trail and Ballymore Loop

This route combines the easy, flat Old Rail Trail with a more moderate Ballymore Loop. The Old Rail Trail is exceptionally well-suited for beginners and families due to its smooth tarmac surface and gentle gradients. The Ballymore Loop, however, includes some elevation gain and gradients of up to 4.2%, making it a moderate road ride that requires good fitness. Overall, the combination offers a varied experience, leaning towards moderate due to the Ballymore section.

The full route, covering approximately 58.5 kilometers, is estimated to take around 2 hours and 30 minutes of active cycling time. This duration can vary based on your fitness level, the number of stops you make, and weather conditions.

While specific parking areas for the combined loop aren't detailed, the Old Rail Trail, as a greenway connecting towns, typically has parking available in the towns it passes through, such as Athlone, Moate, or Mullingar. For the Ballymore Loop, parking would generally be found in or around Ballymore itself. It's advisable to check local council websites for designated parking facilities in these areas.

Information regarding dogs on this specific combined route is not explicitly provided. However, greenways and shared-use paths in Ireland generally permit dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Please exercise caution and respect other trail users.

The route can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush green scenery and generally milder weather, ideal for experiencing the rich farmlands and woodlands. Autumn provides beautiful foliage. Given the flat nature of the Old Rail Trail, it's accessible in most conditions, but always check the weather forecast before you go, especially for the more exposed sections of the Ballymore Loop.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Old Rail Trail or the Ballymore Loop. Both are public access routes.

The route offers diverse scenery. The Old Rail Trail section takes you through the heart of Ireland's farmlands, picturesque countryside, and woodlands, passing by restored station houses and historic stone-arched bridges. You'll encounter highlights such as St. Mary's Church, Moate and the Stone Arch Bridge on the Old Rail Trail. The Ballymore Loop offers views of the surrounding countryside, with some sections near the Golden Falls Reservoir providing scenic vistas.

Yes, the route incorporates significant sections of the Old Rail Trail, which is also known as the Athlone to Mullingar Cycleway. This greenway is a segment of the broader Dublin-Galway Greenway project. Additionally, parts of the route align with the EuroVelo 2 and Athlone Sli na Slainte trails.

The Old Rail Trail boasts a consistently flat gradient and a smooth tarmac surface, making it ideal for road bikes. The Ballymore Loop is almost entirely paved, with 58.9 km paved out of 59.1 km, making it suitable for road cycling, though it does include some climbs. Be aware that some other 'Ballymore' loops in the region might have unpaved sections, but this specific route is designed for road bikes.

As the Old Rail Trail passes through charming villages and towns like Moate, you will find opportunities for cafes and pubs. The Ballymore Loop also passes through Ballymore, where you can find local establishments for refreshments. It's always a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially for longer stretches between towns.

While the Old Rail Trail section is perfect for beginners due to its flat, smooth surface, the inclusion of the Ballymore Loop elevates the overall difficulty to moderate. The Ballymore Loop has some climbs and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Beginners comfortable with longer distances and some elevation might find it a good challenge, but those new to road cycling might prefer to tackle the Old Rail Trail section independently first.