Map

Old Mill Loop Walk

In 2007, a series of looped walks were developed at various trailheads in the region following a mix of forest tracks, riverbanks, old roadways, and grassy trails. There are a few rough and rugged sections - but they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. This loop is one of three which start and finish at the Glenbarrow trailhead - key features include the bank of the spectacular River Barrow, a 3-tiered waterfall, the ruins of an old water mill, and broadleaf woodlands that, in late spring, are ablaze with bluebells.

Directions to the Trailhead

Start from the village of Rosenallis on the R422 between Clonaslee and Mountmellick. On the sharp bend follow the signpost for Glenbarrow. After 2km take a right turn at a junction. After 2.5km turn left at a crossroads. Note: the trailhead is signposted from Rosenallis (and Clonaslee).

A-B. Start from the trailhead at Glenbarrow Car Park and follow the red arrow (and green and blue arrows which are for other loops) onto a downhill track. You are also on the Slieve Bloom Way (marked with yellow arrows and trekking man). After 200m reach the end of the downhill track and enter Glenbarrow Woods via wooden railings. After 200m take a right turn to a wooden footbridge and, after crossing it, turn left onto the bank of the River Barrow. Follow the riverbank for 500m to the next footbridge and cross it to a marker post. Take a right here.

B-C. After 200m you pass a wooden hut. Continue to follow the well worn path upriver.

C-D. Approximately 500m from the waterfall the Slieve Bloom Way turns downhill to the right (towards a footbridge). You proceed straight on at this point.

D-E. After 100m, the path splits on a bend - the blue loop follows the path around to the left and uphill. You leave the blue loop, veering to the right and crossing a small stream into forestry.

E-F.  You join the bank of the River Barrow and follow it upriver for approximately 2km to the ruins of an old mill.

F-G. Leaving the mill behind, follow the riverbank for another short distance before turning uphill (left) through forestry and joining a forestry road. Turn left here.

G-H. Continue along the forestry road to rejoin the blue loop as it comes uphill from your left.

H-J. Follow the forestry road downhill for 300m before veering right at a 3-way junction.

J-K. Follow the forestry road uphill to a junction with a forestry road (on the right). Here, you turn left onto a narrow downhill track.

K-A. Descend through coniferous forestry and natural woodland to a forestry road at a barrier. Turn right here, and enjoy the last 200m back to the trailhead at Glenbarrow Carpark.

Downloads

Old Mill Loop Downloadable Map