Nire Valley Trails - Coumduala loop

Annual Closure Notice: Nire Valley Trails
Some of the property traversed by the Nire Valley Trails is private property. Access is available by kind permission of all the landowners/holders on the route. Persons entering do so by permission with the consent of the landowner. No matter how often they enter, or in what numbers, they do not do so as of right.
As further evidence of the permissive nature of the access, the route will be closed for one day on the third Thursday of December each year in agreement with the landowners. Nothing in this notice shall impact or address any pre-existing public rights of way.

Walking
County Waterford
3.5/5
3 reviews
Grade Strenuous
Length 7.4 km
Time 4 hours
Format Loop
Ascent 540 m
Dogs Allowed No
Waymarking purple arrow on white background
Start Point
Nire Valley Car Park
Finish Point
Nire Valley Car Park
Nearest Town to Start Ballymacarbry
Grid Ref. S 277 128
Lat. and Long. 52.266829, -7.595174
Get Directions

This walk takes you on sand road, roadway, track and mountain terrain heading towards the lower slopes of the Comeragh Mountains, The Gap and on to its highest point on the slopes of Knockanaffrin descending across mountainn terrain to a mountain track back to the trailhead. The area is beautiful and remote with scenic views including Coumduala Lough and the Comeragh Mountains.

Maps and other information

Coumduala Loop Map

External Links

Facilities

Car parking, accommodation, pub, food, restaurants

Please keep dogs under close control

Map Guides

Map Guides

Walk Waterford (From Sea to Mountain) - A series of 20 walks throughout Waterford

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 75
3 trail reviews
3.5/5
Write your own review of this trail
4/5
09/28/2020

Kevin from Limerick

On a sunny September Sunday we set out to do the purple trail but - having detoured to the lakes - we reverted to the red trail as time and energy were running short. First off - it is a beautiful, tranquil and - mostly - very well signposted hike. The VERY worthwhile detour to the lakes comes much later than you'd expect - but it's better to follow the (blue) signs as the trail is far easier than hacking across the heathland. At the 'Gap' where Sli na Sochraid (the route of the funerals) crosses between the hills - you have a choice of onwards and upwards (the purple tail) or bear left and follow the red route home. The two routes meet again at a gate and it is here that - astonishingly - there is an incorrect sign. Pointing down hill is the (green) Gap Trail but Red and Purple are signed to bear right and uphill. After about 100 metres you are definitely lost. On a sunny clear day that was just a nuisance. Coming home in bad weather late in the day it could have been very risky. It needs to fixed IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise a wonderful day's walking will be spoiled. Well done to all who conceived and marked it.
3/5
06/13/2017

Frank from Dublin

Did this loop on 12th June. Previously we had hiked the circuit of the Nire Valley at high level so it was nice to do it from the lower level this time. It took four hours including a detour to Sgilloge Loughs which is well worth doing. Some wet terrain, so gaiters would be useful. Great panoramic views of the Nire Valley and beyond. Very well sign-posted. Each post, gate and style has a sign saying No Dogs Allowed - this is sheep country. You might update your website to take account of this.
06/13/2016

Michael from Tipperary

Great loop for trail-running. The waymarks are great making it easy to stay on track. Nice challenging ascents and fast undulating sections as well as a great final descent (technical) down to the car-park. A 1 hour easy paced run. It would be great to see longer trails in the future.

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