The best traffic-free bike rides around Lough Tay

This guide features 3 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Lough Tay. These routes are carefully selected to offer a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning Wicklow Mountains scenery.

The terrain around Lough Tay offers a mix of gravel roads and forest paths. While the area is known for its extensive network of gravel, you can expect varied surfaces from well-maintained tracks to more rugged sections, especially on routes like the From Roundwood to Three Rock mountain loop. The Wicklow Mountains provide a diverse landscape, from rolling hills to more challenging climbs.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the Gravel loop from Ballinastoe Wood is the most accessible option, rated as moderate. It's a good starting point for families with some gravel biking experience, offering a 13.7 km loop with manageable elevation. Always assess your family's fitness and skill level before heading out.

Many of the routes, including the Gravel loop from Ballinastoe Wood and the Lough Tay – Roundwood Stores Café loop from Ballinastoe Wood, start from Ballinastoe Wood. This area offers accessible car parks, which are also popular starting points for mountain biking. You can also find parking along the R759 road at various viewpoints overlooking Lough Tay.

While direct access to Lough Tay's shoreline is limited as it's on private property, the surrounding trails offer breathtaking views. You'll get stunning vistas of Lough Tay, often called 'The Guinness Lake' due to its dark waters and white sand, from elevated points along the R759. The J.B. Malone memorial stone on Djouce mountain, part of the Wicklow Way, also provides a renowned scenic perspective. The Lough Tay – Roundwood Stores Café loop from Ballinastoe Wood will bring you close to some of these iconic views.

Yes, all three routes featured in this guide are circular loops, designed for a convenient return to your starting point. For example, the Gravel loop from Ballinastoe Wood and the Lough Tay – Roundwood Stores Café loop from Ballinastoe Wood both offer excellent circular experiences starting and ending at Ballinastoe Wood.

The trails in this guide range from moderate to difficult. One route is rated moderate, while two are difficult. The Gravel loop from Ballinastoe Wood is a good moderate option, while the From Roundwood to Three Rock mountain loop presents a significant challenge with over 1600 meters of elevation gain over 76 km.

While the Wicklow Mountains are generally more accessible by car, some local bus services operate in the wider Wicklow area. However, direct public transport links to the specific starting points of these gravel trails, such as Ballinastoe Wood, can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes in advance if you plan to rely on public transport.

Yes, the Lough Tay – Roundwood Stores Café loop from Ballinastoe Wood specifically includes a stop at Roundwood Stores Café, making it a great option if you're looking for a refreshment break during your ride. Roundwood village itself offers a few options for food and drink.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Lough Tay, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning, uninterrupted natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, the peacefulness of the traffic-free routes, and the rewarding views of Lough Tay and the surrounding peaks. The varied terrain also offers a satisfying challenge for many riders.

Generally, permits are not required for cycling on public roads and designated trails within the Wicklow Mountains National Park. However, it's always good practice to respect private land and adhere to any signage regarding access. The immediate shoreline of Lough Tay is on private property, so public access is restricted there. Stick to marked trails and public rights of way.

While these routes are selected for their 'no traffic' nature, the best time to enjoy the Wicklow Mountains with fewer people overall is typically during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) or on weekdays. Summer weekends can see more visitors to popular viewpoints, but the gravel trails themselves tend to remain quiet. Always be prepared for changeable weather, as conditions can shift rapidly in the mountains.