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Paul’s Lane Loop

Paul's Lane loop
  • Distance: 4.5 km / 2 hours
  • Services: Cadamstown, Clonaslee (10km), Kinnitty (5km)
  • Trail Grade: Strenuous
  • To suit: Average levels of fitness
  • Terrain: Old lanes and river gorge
  • Min. gear: Walking boots, fluids
  • Trail maintenance: enquiries@slievebloom.ie

Trail Directions

Starting from the village car park in Cadamstown village, turn right onto what was the Coach Road that passes on the right of Dempsey’s pub. You are following blue arrows. Pass the signpost for the Nature Trail and follow the Coach Road for almost 1km to reach an old laneway on your right – known locally as Paul’s Lane. Turn right here. Follow this wonderful old laneway uphill for almost 1km to exit at a gateway near a group of derelict houses. This was the village of Bordingstown.

Immediately after the houses, turn right and follow the blue arrows downhill on an old laneway. Pass through a gateway and veer right to reach a swinging (kissing) gate – continue downhill to reach a small stream known locally as Purcell’s Brook. Here you join both the Slieve Bloom Way (yellow arrows) and Nature Trail Eco Loop (green arrows) for the remainder of your loop back to Cadamstown.

Follow the laneway downhill to reach a gateway at a beautiful weir on the Silver River. Turn right here. Cross a small stile and join the bank of the spectacular Silver River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you pass rushing waters for almost 1km before ascending to a wooden stile and entering farmland. Turn left here onto a farm laneway – follow it downhill for almost 200m to reach a concrete stile. As you exit the farm, the trailhead and village are to your left.

Directions to Cadamstown trailhead

In the village of Cadamstown (on the R421 between Clonaslee and Kinnitty), the car park is located beside Dempsey’s Public house. Grid Ref. N 227 085.

Cadamstown village, which sits on the banks of the Silver River, was at one time home to Charles O’Carroll whose grandson was a signatory of the Declaration of American Independence in 1776. It is rich in archaeology – boasting Bronze Age burials and ring forts amongst them. And the old mill is well worth a visit.

Ownership & Management

These wonderful looped walks at Cadamstown have come about as a result of close cooperation between the local community, private landowners and Coillte. Access through the farmland and woodland sections is based on permissive access granted by local landowners who have generously agreed to open up their land. The majority of the forestry sections are owned by Coillte (statutory foresty agency) who have also agreed to permit the walks alongside their commercial operations. The walks here are maintained to a high standard thanks to the work of the local landowners and also the local Rural Social Scheme (RSS) led by George Digan of Offaly Partnership.

Both loops are formally recognised as registered trails by the National Trails Office.

Note that dogs are not allowed on these walks.

Walking Events

The Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise walks every weekend of the year. All of these walks are led by an experienced and friendly walk leader who is very familiar with the mountains. These walks are post to the Walking calendar weekly.

A panel of guides are also available if you are are looking for a personal leader who can tailor-make a walk to suit your party or group.

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