Coolmelagh Loop
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 13.3km (8.3 miles)
Waymarking: Red
Trailhead: Coolmelagh Forest Entrance
Sat Nav: 52.686, -6.580
Parking: Coolmelagh Forest Entrance
Trail Description
Coolmelagh loop follows along the forest roads, circumnavigating the forest leading west from the entrance at the centre of the forest, then south around Gibbet Hill, then looping around east up over the hill and on to Ballingate where the trail loops back west again to the starting point.
Don't Miss...
- Windmills and a Marian Year cross at the summit where the gibbet once stood
- Views of County Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow
- All kinds of native wildlife, such as Irish hare, fox, badger, Peregrine falcon, hen harrier raven
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Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 62 (also 68 & 69)
Grid Reference: S 963 604
Ascent: 280m
Walking time: 210 minutes
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed Surfaces
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: Trailhead
Equipment Recommended: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended.
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally good
Picnic Area: None
Public Toilets: Bunclody
Facilities: Bunclody
Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times. You must clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.
Nearby Walking Trails
Getting Here
From Bunclody take the Carnew Road R746 for 6km to forest entrance.
These trails are located in Coillte owned forests.
Wexford Walking Trails clg appreciates the support and co-operation of Coillte under their Open Forest Policy.
Trail Grades
Trail grades give an indication of what to expect when out on a trail. The grade will give an idea of the level of fitness and ability required to use the trail.
Before attempting a trail, it is important to consider the grading to ensure it matches your ability and level of fitness.
Wexford Walking Trails are graded by Sport Ireland according to their criteria which is explained here.
Multi-Access
Flat smooth trails, suitable for all users including people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, people with a vision impairment, using crutches, with a buggy, with small children, older people and so on. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. Source : Sport Ireland
Moderate
These trails may have some climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks, etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended. Source : Sport Ireland
Easy
Generally flat trails with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes or shallow steps. These trails are generally suitable for family groups including children and older people. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. Source : Sport Ireland
Strenuous
These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. Source : Sport Ireland