Freshford Loop
Grade
Moderate
Length
6 km
Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Format
Loop
Ascent
90 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Purple arrow
Start Point
Village Green Freshford
Finish Point
Village Green Freshford
Nearest Town to Start
Freshford
Grid Ref.
S 407 647
Lat. and Long.
52.731864, -7.398928
This attractive walk follows riverbank, woodland track and laneway, passing through deciduous woods and fields in a rolling landscape of pleasant pastoral and sylvan vistas around the village of Freshford with views on a clear day across Gathabown and the Castlecomer Hills.
Maps and other information
Facilities
Car parking, café, accommodation, shops, pubs

OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 60
Trail Kilkenny from Kilkenny
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.
Ciaran Johnson from Kilkenny
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.
Jane from Longford
Nice walk alongside river, forestry and farmland. Lots to see, not difficult, some uphill early on. Completed in 1hr30mins at a quick pace
Lee from United Kingdom
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.
Dominic from Dublin
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!
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!
CP from Kildare
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.