Coolaney MTB Trails
Overview
Welcome to the Coolaney Mountain Bike Trails. This is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designated for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route. Choose from blue grade trails which take riders through beautiful forest and heathland, red grade trails with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean, Strandhill and Coolaney Village or a hair-raising black grade route designed for expert lever bikers. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with lots of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are waymarked in one direction, please follow the arrows.
The route uses multiple sections of forest roads and crosses many walking trails. You should expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time. In general, the trail is exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. Please make sure your mountain bike is in good working order and that you have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake these trails. All riders should be appropriately dressed and wear a helmet at all times. Please ride with consideration for other forest users and control your speed.
The trails are developed in partnership with Sligo County Council and are funded by the Dept of Rural & Community Development and Faillte Ireland and working in association with Coolaney Development Company and North-West MTB Club.
MTB Trail images
The climbs, the views, the descents - blue, red , black options - lots on offer - fast and fun!
Visitor Facilities on site
All visitor facilities are in Coolaney village and in nearby Sligo.
Trail map
Coolaney Blue – Trail Description
This blue grade trail is graded moderate, with numerous difficult sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Sometimes steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is for proficient cyclists only.
Information
Trails: High Road, Connect Four, Northwest Express, Pump N Pedal.
Distance: 5km with 100 meters climbing
Time: 45 to 90 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Trail Waymarking: Blue circle
Red Loop – Trail Description
This red grade route is difficult throughout with numerous severe sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Frequently steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is not for novice mountain bike riders.
Information
‘Baywatch’ Route (10km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Tin Tin, Yabba Dabba Do.
‘Buzzard Aldrin’ Route (12km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Buzzard Aldrin, Yabba Dabba Do.
‘Doomore’ Route (23km): Mast Trail, Road Runner, Baywatch, Hornet, Kiwi, Vista Valley, Doomore, Ruby Rouge.
Time: 60 to 180 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult to severe
Trail Waymarking: Red circle
No Delay – Trail Description
This black grade route is severe throughout. The trails vary rapidly from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Prolonged steep and narrow sections are common, with drop offs and variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail should not be undertaken unless you are a highly experienced and highly competent mountain bike rider.
Information
‘No Delay’ Trail: 2.5km
‘R&D’ Trail: 2km
Time: 30 to 120 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Severe throughout
Trail Waymarking: Black circle