Brittas Forest Loop

Trail head is excellently marked showing the three diffrent routes starting there. It is also a very nice and well marked trail. A detour around the lake, where the ducks will follow you, is worth the extra half of kilometre. Although the gates were locked all the stiles seem to have been recently redone. Great view after leaving the river's edge. Walk is shorter then 8 kilometres so you probably will finish in an hour and half.

August, 2013. This trail starts, and ends, in the lovely village of Clonaslee and provides a varied walking experience. Riverside paths, country lanes and panoramic views across the Laois countryside. Underfoot were excellent and signposting was good. However, where the track meets Brittas Lake, I found the signposting confusing. If you don't want to circle the lake, do not turn right for the lake - turn left here and continue following blue markings (if you circle the lake, you end up back at this point). As to entering Clonaslee on return, ignore any large barking dogs - as in our case, they'll probably be chained! You can round off a smashing day's hike with tea and scones in Swan's Cafe - tea for 2, with 1 scone, €5!



This would make for a great casual cycle/walk if the half dozen gates along the route were not pad-locked.