This is the second of a series of 8 caches on and occassionally off the Ballycuggaran loop. Many people visit the Two Mile Gate picnic area without realising that a great forest trail with some amazing views is nearby.
This cache is on a trail used in the past by mountain bikers which is pretty hard core. These trails can be followed all the way from the top to the bottom. Don’t even think about it as it is very dangerous
It can be approached in many ways through the various paths but I would suggest if coming from Ballycuggeran One – Trail Head (GC4EPME) that you could take the following route:
Don’t go up the red loop path and take the forest road up the hill instead after 200 meteres or so turn left onto the forest road with the barrier at the To Biker Madness waypoint.
Continue until you reach a T junction then take the path to the right up the hill at the To Biker Madness 2 waypoint.
At the end of this path turn right ang after 20 or 30 metres to turn left going up the hill again.
You could also approach from the White Arrow waypoint but this involves doubling back if you are doing the loop.
The loop walk is part of the network of Shannon Region Loop Walks and is marked using the standard red Shannon Region Trails directional arrows. The trail is marked in both directions.
Tips: Directions to Trailhead
Start from the village of Killaloe which is on the R463 from Limerick City and continue on the R463 in the direction of Ogonnelloe and Scarriff. After approximately 4km the trailhead is located on your left at Rinnaman Point (Two-mile Gate). This is a very spacious and popular lakeside public amenity area on the shores of Lough Derg located near the University of Limerick watersports and adventure centre and is signposted from Killaloe.
The Two-mile Gate amenity area is a renowned beauty spot which provides one of Lough Derg's two Blue Flag Beaches. As well as being a safe bathing area, it is a popular location for wind-surfing and sailing. This is a lovely area for a picnic and also provides pleasant family-friendly walks around Rinnaman Point
Services: Killaloe, Co. Clare (4km)
Time: 1hr 30mins - 2 hrs for the red loop, 3 hrs if all caches are visited
Terrain: Mix of minor roadways, laneways, forestry roads and tracks
To Suit: Medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.