the trail system in the ballyhouras consists of 96km of single track and forest roads providing 5 loops of varying terrain.it has been designed by one of the best known trail builders in the britsh isles davyd davis.all the loops consist of single track, boardwalks,forest raods and timber bridges.each loop leads to the next level and the colours are green,brown,white,blue and red.they all work in a one way system.

GREEN LOOP
(greenwood loop) is moderate level 6 km ,duration of 30 to 60 mins

BROWN LOOP
(mount russell loop)is of moderate  level 17 km duration 1.5 hrs to 2.5 hrs

WHITE LOOP
(garrane loop) is difficult level 35 km 2.5 hrs to 4.5 hrs

BLUE LOOP
(streamhill loop )difficult to severe level 41 km  3.5 hrs to 5.5 hrs

RED LOOP
(castlepook loop)severe level 51 km   5 to 6 hrs 

MODERATE GRADE
consists of eneven surfaces low level of bike control required but still a standard level of aerobic fitness required,it would contain dips,pot holes timber boardwalks and plenty of awkward corners to negotiate.mountain bike required

DIFFICULT GRADE
consists of  as above with the addition of a good level of fitness required,not suitable for under 11 yrs of age,bike control necessary,rock steps,tight turns,narrow boardwalks,steep exposed ground

SEVERE GRADE
a wide varity of eneven surfaces ,loose material underfoot,a high level of fitness required may include 600 meter climbs ,and would consist of greater than 35 km in lenght,and have all the above descriptions

FACIILITIES
The ballyhoura mountain bike trails consists of 93 km of single track and a car park for 150 cars. It has a built in environmentally changing block with shower units, it has been designed to fit into the area with the least amount of destruction to flora.

FITNESS TRAINING
A course or weekend can be arranged for the adventure racers looking for pacing and times, with the additional bonus of us setting out a course of orienteering or any other discipline.

A NOTE FROM THE HIRE COMPANY
we as a hire company would like to point out (as seasoned mountain bikers  and qualified trail cycle leaders(tcl)and seasoned mountaineers) , that  its so easy to forgot the basics of the great outdoors,and that is always try and carry a first aid kit and and extra layer to keep you warm if you have to stop for whatever reason,try and get a map from the appropriate bodies involved so if  you have to cut your journey short you will have the means to take apprpriate action.always carry a basic first aid minimum,so as to clean and covers grazes or the odd ankle twist.

we would recommend minimum of 750 ml of fluids and appropriate energy bars for the trip,sandwiches and heavy food will only bloat you and make you feel sluggish and make it hard to get going again,the reason is if you start mixing fats,protein ,carbs in a sambo or other means it requires too much blood in the digestion system to break down and this same blood is required for providing oxegen and energy to the muscles you are putting demand on .they are various energy bars available and will be available at the trail head from the official opening date onwards.