Orienteering & Walking Trails

Trails can be done at ease or for those that want a challenge
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Orienteering & Walking Trails

Three permanent orienteering trails are set up in the woodland to complement the range of recreational activities here at the park.

These courses vary in the distance; 1.6km Short, 2.4 km Medium and 3km Long. Each course has a number of codes secured to wooden posts throughout the 80 acres of woodland.

The trails can be done at ease or for those that want a challenge can be completed by competing for time. This provides the opportunity for participants to return and do a longer and more advanced trail as an individual, in pairs, or as a team.

Things to note:

  • The laminate maps can be purchased at reception
  • Participants are shown the answer sheets at the reception desk of the visitor centre on the return of the maps.
  • This is a self-directed activity and can be done 7 days per week from 9.30am – 5 pm – or until 8 pm if you wish to forego deposit and locate all codes so that the answer sheet is unnecessary.
  • Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are advised.
  • For more information on orienteering see www.orienteering.ie – it’s a great site with lots of super images and videos bringing orienteering to life for those of us who are novices!
Two girls Orienteering
Boy Orienteering in woods

Walking Trails

With over 80 acres of woodland and lakeside to explore Castlecomer Discovery Park is the perfect place to experience nature, get fit and enjoy the great outdoors. Why not take a hike? Have a picnic or take a path you never took before? There is something for everyone here! Leisurely walk, orienteering challenge, nature trail and much more! Check out our four National Trails Association accredited looped walks.

LADY’S LOOP

Distance & Time: 1.5km, 20min – 30mins
HighPoint & Ascent: 130m & 20m
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Forestry tracks and paths (suitable for children’s buggies)
To suit all levels of fitness

Min. Gear: Sturdy footwear, raingear, fluid, mobile phone.

ARBORETUM LOOP

Distance & Time: 2km, 30min – 45mins
HighPoint & Ascent: 140m & 30m
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Forestry tracks and paths
To suit all levels of fitness

Min. Gear: Sturdy footwear, raingear, fluid, mobile phone.

CAPTAIN’S LOOP

Distance & Time: 2km, 30min – 45mins
HighPoint & Ascent: 140m & 30m
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Forestry tracks
To suit all levels of fitness

Min. Gear: Trekking shoes, raingear, fluid, mobile phone.

ARDRA CASTLE LOOP

Distance & Time: 5km, 1hr-1hr30mins
HighPoint & Ascent: 150m & 40m
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Forestry tracks, paths and woodland trails (may be muddy in wet weather).
To suit all levels of fitness

Min. Gear: Hiking boots, raingear, fluid, mobile phone.
Please note this trail is unsuitable for buggies.

Orienteering