Discover the exhilarating road cycling routes in West Wicklow!
Starting from Blessington or Baltinglass, cyclists can explore picturesque villages and unique landscapes.
With scenic beauty and adventure at every turn, West Wicklow is a must-visit destination for road-cycling enthusiasts.
Cycling Loop 15: Blessington Loop – 11.6km
Cycling Loop 16: Blessington Loop via Upper Lake – 35.1km
Loop 16 offers cyclists a classic ‘Tour De Reservoir,’ starting southward from Blessington to Valleymount. The route then heads north through Ballyknockan to Lacken, ending with a flat loop around the upper reservoir.
Grade: Challenging
Distance: 35.1 km
Ascent: 270 m
Estimated Time: 2hrs
Cycling Loop 17: Blessington Loop via Hollywood, Donard, Laragh, & Sally Gap – 104km
Loop 17 is a long and challenging route. Beginning in Blessington, the route travels south, through Hollywood and Donard, and features a demanding climb of Slieve Mann.
Following a descent into Glenmalure, cyclists climb again past the Shay Elliott monument prior to an additional descent into Laragh. The route then ascends past Glenmacnass Waterfall to Sally Gap and returns to Blessington via Kilbride.
Grade: Very Challenging
Distance: 104 km
Ascent: 1,335 m
Estimated Time: 6hrs 30mins
Cycling Loop 18: Baltinglass Loop – 25.2km
Loop 18 starts from Baltinglass and guides cyclists south-east and then eastward to Talbotstown. Afterward, cyclists proceed northbound to Stratford-on-Slaney, along country roads to Oldtown, and return to Baltinglass via the R747.
Grade: Challenging
Distance: 25.2 km
Ascent: 210 m
Estimated Time: 1hr 30mins
Cycling Loop 19: Baltinglass Loop via Dunlavin, Hollywood, & Laragh – 91.1km
Loop 19, a demanding route from Baltinglass, passes through the villages of Dunlavin and Hollywood and ascends the Wicklow Gap before descending into Laragh.
Cyclists can then opt for a detour to Glendalough prior to climbing past the Shay Elliot memorial and descending into Glenmalure.
After passing the Glenmalure Lodge, riders then proceed to climb Slieve Mann and wind back to Baltinglass.
Grade: Very Challenging
Distance: 91.1 km
Ascent: 1,385 m
Estimated Time: 6hrs
