Freshford Loop

Very pleasant trail at beginning along stream and forest area around Uppercourt and beyond. The QR code enabled points are a nice touch with good information. From the spruce trees down though its very very mucky and even with good boots quite slippy as there is a slight slope down hill. Final section was ok but a bit plain when compared to beginning of trail. Will do again in summer but a review of trail beyond the Coillte spruce forest is needed. This trail would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues. There are some ascents and rough forest ground to woalk through so good footweat recommmended.

This trail is 5.65km in length and not 8km as stated in the above description and can comfortably be completed in 1.5hrs or less. This is a pleasant walk on well maintained and well signposted mixed surface (4km forest track or forest access road much of it covered with graded stone & 1.65km quiet public roads). Height gain & loss is 92 meters with a number of stiles/gates making it unsuitable for a child’s buggy/bicycle. Lovely open country views just before you’re diverted off road to the Nuenna River at 3.85km. I found this river diversion disappointing and the section felt like a tagged on afterthought.

NOTE FROM SPORT IRELAND OUTDOORS: Thank you CP for pointing out the correct length, time and ascent. We have changed this on our website and have been assured it will also be amended on the information board at the trailhead.

Thank you for your feedback. We have an ongoing issue with mud on one section of the walk. We have recently received funding through the Outdoor Recreation infrastructure Scheme which will allow us to finally solve the problem.

Mud bath. This trail could potentially be nice, but due to lack of drainage and surface half of the loop is heavy mud and very slippy. I assume in summer it would dry out somewhat, but a very poorly planned and maintained trail.

Nice walk alongside river, forestry and farmland. Lots to see, not difficult, some uphill early on. Completed in 1hr30mins at a quick pace

I enjoyed this walk as it offers a fair bit of variety. Some quiet roads, woods, farmland, stream and forest. I didn't see a single person until I got back to the village which itself is really nice with a beautiful village green. This walk worked out perfectly with public transport. I had exactly 2 hours from getting off the bus till the bus came back to pick me up and completed the walk in an hour and a half.

On our way back from a weekend away in Kilkenny, we detoured to Freshford (a lovely little village) to take in this walk. Any it was well worth the effort! The loop offers a variety of landscape - riverside track, open countryside, wooded trails and cultivated farmland. The well-marked terrain is predominantly off-road and I'm sure the start from Freshford could have been accommodated similarly with a little bit of local cooperation! Some of the trail was extremely wet in places and walking boots are definitely a must. In addition, we found the suggested walking time of 2.5 hours as being more than generous. Overall, a lovely looped-trail and well worth a vist if you happen to be in the area.



N.B. I was anxious that at the end of the walk to express my gratitude by making a small contribution to the local economy but couldn't find a coffee shop for love or money!