Devils Bit Loop
Grade
Moderate
Length
3.7 km
Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Format
Loop
Ascent
200 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Purple arrow on yellow background
Start Point
Devil's Bit forest car park, close to Barnane village
Finish Point
Devil's Bit forest car park, close to Barnane village
Nearest Town to Start
Templemore
Grid Ref.
S 06128 73191
Lat. and Long.
52.80994, -7.90985
This loop on sandy laneways, forestry tracks and hillside paths brings you up into forest, ascending gently to swing round Little Rock with fine views of the Galtee Mountains and Counties Laois and Galway. Take the short spur up to the cross on top for spectacular views.
Maps and other information
External Links
Trail Management
John Egan - Rural Recreation Officer | Email: johnegan@stdc.ie
Fantasic Drone Footage of the Devils Bit Loop - Copyright @johnny.bucks
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 59
Emily from Tipperary
Lovely loop. New trail head markings and steps on the steepest part are great. Nice to go to the "big rock" where the trig stone and actual peak are. Great views all around on a clear day.
John Tipperary from Tipperary
I am pleased to say that the missing arrow reported on the trail 750m from the end has now been replaced. Trail improvement work has also been carried out on the steep section just to the south of Little Rock.
Mary Anne from Tipperary
Great walk with fabulous views. Signage could be much better but I was there before so knew where I was going. If it was a foggy day it would be easy enough loose your way so maybe a few more signs would help
Mick from Tipperary
Walked today. The final portion of the ascent is treacherous, steep and without footholds. Very easy to slip or miss your footing! For such a beautiful and popular walk I think the final ascent has been badly neglected!
Jim from Limerick
Fab walk, steep but short. Will say I did the loop in reverse and took a wrong turn where signage was not clear and I ended up going a good bit out of my way. From talking to people, it is a common mistake and would be easily rectified if walk was signposted both ways. But other than that a must.Views from the Cross amazing
Simone from Dublin
Walked this yesterday with family including two young children and it was very enjoyable. We are complete novice hill walkers and this required some effort, but was so worth it for the views you get on top of the mountain where the cross is.
We spotted the odd trail sign, but if we hadn't followed another group of experienced walkers, we would likely have taken a wrong turn. Maybe better signposting for all the trails on Devil's Bit could be provided?
We spotted the odd trail sign, but if we hadn't followed another group of experienced walkers, we would likely have taken a wrong turn. Maybe better signposting for all the trails on Devil's Bit could be provided?
John from Tipperary
Did this trail during the week. Fabulous views, however somebody has purposely damaged and destroyed the waymark signs on the route which makes it very difficult to follow the route. The spur to the cross is a must.Note from National Trails Office:The local management group are aware of this issue and have plans in place to sort it out. It should be in order shortly.
pamela from Offaly
Walked this trail during the week when the weather was very hot. Spectacular views with mixed terrain. Very enjoyable.
Oisín from Tipperary