Two way-marked forest trails of approximately 2 km and 4.2 km give walkers the choice of a short or medium route. Both routes climb through mixed woodland to elevated sections with lovely views over the South Blackstairs and the Barrow Valley. Walkers can opt to start at the forest entrance to enjoy the full 4.2km walk or drive to the alternative start, up the forest road at the forest road junction to walk the 2km route.
The name Gowlin, is derived from the Irish word ‘guala’ or ‘gualainn’, meaning a shoulder.
4.2km route
From the lower car park at the public road, follow the forest road as it climbs steadily uphill and around a large zig zag bend. The forest road levels out and reaches the upper car parking area at a junction. And as you climbed up the hill and onto the level ground, you have ascended up onto a great shoulder or spur jutting out from the main ridge of the Blackstair Mountains. It is this afforested spur that gives it’s name to the area. Fabulous views of the South Blackstairs and Barrow Valley are on offer here.
The upper car parking area is located at a forest road junction (2km route) with great views north to Mount Leinster. Keep left here and carry on up and around the hill on a forest road. This narrows down to a track and shortly you will pass a colourful old cottage up on your right. This is Ryan’s Cottage and the Ryan family lived and farmed up here until about the 1950s, before the land was forested. There were at least seven children reared in this house but like many a remoter house in Ireland, the family gradually moved down to houses on lower ground and/or emigrated. You may carry on past Ryan’s and shortly you will come to a gate at the edge of the forest. You have now reached the end of the Gowlin Trail and after admiring the view, please return by the same route, either to the carpark at the forest road junction (2km) or at the public road (4.2km). The forest that you now traverse back down the hill was planted in the 1960s and is largely a commercial plantation of Sitka Spruce and Lodgepole Pine, both fast-growing coniferous trees used in the construction business and manufacture of wood products. Keep your eyes peeled though and you may well see deer flitting away, squirrels climbing trees or the kestrel or increasingly common buzzard circling the skies and feral goats living wild on the mountain slopes.
Classification of trail: 4.2km route – moderate and 2km route – easy
Well behaved dogs welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Classification of Trail Difficulty
| Easy | Generally flat trails with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes or shallow steps. These trails are generally suitable for family groups including children and the elderly. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. |
| Moderate | These trails may have some climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks, etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended. |
| Strenuous | These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. |
| Very Difficult | These routes are predominantly in remote upland areas. They will typically include steep slopes and very variable and rough underfoot conditions on sometimes indistinct trails. They may be unmarked so the use of a map and navigational skills will be required. Suitable only for the very fit and competent mountain walkers with a high level of experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. |