The Raven family Loop route goes through a short but beautiful back road behind sand dunes, and then into a pine forested nature reserve.
With a distance of 10kms and no climbing, this route takes you through beautiful scenery without a lot of difficulty.
Most importantly of all for a family route – there are no cars!
Suitable for: – All bikes – it’s a bit too rough for road bikes, but if that’s all you have it’ll do!
In winter it gets muddy and softer, so a road bike is not suitable then.
Distance: 10kms
Total ascent: 40 metres.
Route Links:
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/356285763
Start/Finish: This route starts and finishes at the Winning post car park in Curracloe and you can find FREE parking nearby at the following link https://goo.gl/maps/ffxLnn6pFmrwTkkn9
The Raven Loop is an ideal spin for a family and particularly with little ones practicing their skills.
This route involves a short section on a quiet back road and before long you are into the raven woods. Just remember in the woods you are on a hard-packed unsealed forest road. In winter it can be a bit muddy – but that just adds to the fun!
Starting off: From your starting point, head south on the winding back road. This is usually very quiet with few cars – but they can be there, so watch out. If this doesn’t suit the family, you can park nearer the forest and skip this bit. But it is a lovely back road and well worth cycling on.
Continue into the forest – being careful dodging the dog poo at the barrier!
Continue following the dirt road for 4km. After 4km watch out for the right turn onto a smaller track – after 200m this track brings you out to a fantastic vista of Wexford town and harbour. It can be windy here, but if it’s not it’s a great spot for a picnic and a play – or even to climb a tree!
When you’re finished playing, head back into the forest.
When you are back on the main track take the right turn to head east towards the sea (although all you can see now are trees!).
Keep your eyes peeled and if you are lucky (and its early and very quiet) you might see a red squirrel!
1km brings you to the end of this track and you can walk up the sand dunes and wonder at the expanse of Irelands longest beach stretching away into the distance.
Head back the way you came and after ~600m take a right turn.
This brings you through some nice forest and eventually back onto the main track.
A right turn and 3km brings you back to the starting point.
Refreshments: This route begins at the Winning post car park.
The surf shack have a small café and a surf shop for planning more adventures! Otherwise you’ll be out in the woods so bring your picnic.
Hazards: This is a very safe route – with the main hazards being the odd car on the start section, a busy car park to navigate and dog poo to dodge!
You will also be near the sea at times with wind and surf ever present.
This route was created for WexBUG by committee member, Cormac Mac Gearailt.
