One of the finest walks in the area, the Jubilee Loop takes in a Famine Graveyard, a mass path, Millenium Forest and returns along the banks of the Avonmore River.
The route starts at the car park of the Church of Ss. Mary and Michael where you will find a mapboard and more information on the walk.
Begin this loop walk by walking around the back of the church, follow the purple arrows up the mass path, turn right onto Union Lane. Look for the marker to turn right and then left on to the Famine Graveyard. Walk through farmland and the Ballygannon Woods (part of which includes a fine example of native oakwood and Millenium Forest). Take care crossing the R755 over to Ballygannon Woods carpark. Follow the trail on the left through the woods and follow purple arrow way markers. Once out of the woods, continue on the stretch past Rathdrum Rugby Club and Hidden Valley Holiday Park. Take a right up the Lower Street Hill & look out for the purple way marker beside St. Annes, following the lane, passing St. Michael’s Well and up through the field to where the trails meets the R755. Take care crossing and take the steps on the left back up to the church car park.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.
In Case of Emergency Dial 999/112
Grade: Moderate , the route is marked with purple arrows
Distance: 6km
Estimated time: 1 hour 30 mins – 2 hours
Total height climbed: 120m
Highest Point: 200m
Terrain underfoot: Minor roads, forestry tracks, mass paths, cross country, regional roads
Suitable for: All fitness levels, including families, but not buggies
Notes: Be careful on public road sections, track can be wet and muddy after rain. Take care in place where surfaces are uneven due to rootstock and on bog bridges.
Leave No Trace:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Be Considerate of Others
- Respect Farm Animals & Wildlife
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Leave What You Find
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Minimise the Effects of Fire
How to get to start point: Rathdrum Parish Church, Church of St. Mary & St. Michael, A67 E034.
- GPS FOR START POINT: 52.935416,-6.232944
- Grid Ref for Start: T 188 885
Rathdrum can be accessed by public transport