John's Hill Loop - Carlow Tourism

John’s Hill Loop

Distance: 11.0 km

Ascent: 335 metres

Walking Time: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Start: Car park at Kilbrannish North Forest Recreation Area. Parking here for approximately 12 cars and picnic benches. The John’s Hill Loop follows forest roads for approximately 4 kilometres to reach the loop proper which is approximately 3 kilometres. The loop walk around John’s Hill is not suitable for buggies.

A-B: Follow the path straight up from the car park to reach the forest road above. Turn right and follow a well surfaced forest road as it climbs gently uphill towards a small windfarm. This part of the walk is shared with two other loop walks, Windfarm Loop and Kilbrannish Forest Loop as well as the South Leinster Way. The wind turbines here were developed by the Deacon family in 2005 and were the first in the region.

B-C: Reach the top of the rise, where a new taller turbine and sub station has been developed on the right. Passing this, keep right at the fork of forest roads and start climbing uphill gently again. You walk on a good road through commercial plantations of Sitka Spruce and Lodgepole Pine, both fast growing coniferous trees with applications in the construction business and manufacture of wood products. The road descends gently to reach a stretch of power line which serve the older wind turbines up on your right. There is a good view from here to John’s Hill.

C-D: Pass under the power line and follow the forest road more steeply downhill. Reach a junction and swing around to the left. At the next T junction, keep left again and follow the forest road to emerge from the forest at a corner. Keep right and follow the track across to John’s Hill.

D-E: Reach the end of the forest track at the foot of John’s Hill, there is a large boulder here. Keep left on a rougher track which after a few metres, swings sharp left to reach the side of the forest. Now continue on this track with a fence on your left and the plantation on your right. The track narrows to a path but keeps mostly to the forest edge with a couple of short passages through the trees. There are fine views from the walk and as you progress around John’s Hill, they change continuously. At the first turn, the sand pits around Kildavin can clearly be seen along with the bridge over the Slaney. This is the site of Geata na nDeoir, the ‘gate of tears’ where 19th century emigrants took their last view of their homelands and struck out for boat at New Ross. Further round the hill, there are fine views down to the town of Bunclody. Note the larger fields below which often have crops of barley and other cereals growing in them. As you progress further, these are replaced by upland pastures used for grazing sheep. Finally as you turn to face back towards the start, Black Rock Mountain and Mount Leinster dominate the skyline.

E-A: The path makes a full circuit of John’s Hill and rejoins at Point D above. Return by your outward route.

Classification of trail

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.