Miners Way & Historical Trail

The trail offers a varied experience, combining quiet tarmac roads, paths across fields, open and often wet moorland, and forestry paths. You'll also encounter easy boardwalks, twisty forest trails, grassy lanes, country roads, and more challenging mountain paths. Some sections involve navigating cliff edges, descending into valley floors, and steep climbs, particularly in the 'Miners Way' section. The route is generally well-maintained with good signage, stiles, and various bridges.

While the overall trail is categorized as moderate to strenuous, its figure-of-eight structure allows for different levels of challenge. The 'Historical Trail' section is considered more leisurely, with a difficulty rating of around 1.5 out of 5, making it a gentler option for beginners. The 'Miners Way' section, however, is more demanding, rated around 3.2 out of 5, with significant ascents and descents.

Joggers on this trail are treated to diverse landscapes and historical sights. You'll pass beautiful lakes such as Lough Allen, Lough Arrow, and Lough Key. The route also features lush forests, ancient sites like the Carrowkeel megalithic tombs (older than Stonehenge) and Knockranny Court tomb, and abandoned farms. You'll cross low mountain ranges like Corry Mountain and the Curlew Mountains, offering expansive views, including the Plains of Boyle. A wind farm is another distinctive feature.

The Miners Way & Historical Trail is a long, figure-of-eight loop, so there are multiple access points. Many people start from towns along the route like Boyle or Arigna. Specific trailhead parking information can vary, but generally, you can find parking in the towns or at designated points along the trail. For instance, Lough Key Forest Park, where a section of the trail runs, offers parking facilities.

The trail is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through areas with livestock or near sensitive wildlife habitats. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and clean up after your pet.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) often offer the most pleasant conditions for jogging, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, and some sections, particularly the moorland, can be wet after rain, so appropriate footwear is always recommended.

There are no specific permits required to jog the Miners Way & Historical Trail itself. However, if you access the trail through Lough Key Forest Park, there may be an entrance fee for vehicle parking within the park. It's advisable to check the park's official website (e.g., visitroscommon.ie) for current parking fees and any specific regulations before your visit.

Yes, while the Miners Way & Historical Trail makes up the majority of the route (78%), it also passes through sections of the Bog garden and Drummans bridge trails.

Yes, the trail passes through or near several towns, such as Boyle and Arigna, which offer various accommodation options, cafes, and pubs. These towns provide convenient spots for refreshments or overnight stays, especially if you plan to tackle the trail in sections.

Given the varied terrain, suitable jogging shoes with good grip are essential. Depending on the weather, waterproof outerwear is advisable, especially for the often wet moorland sections. Bringing water, snacks, a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit is also recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Yes, the entire Miners Way & Historical Trail is designed as a figure-of-eight loop, offering inherent circular route options. You can choose to complete the full 118-kilometer loop or select shorter circular sections, such as the 'Historical Trail' or 'Miners Way' halves, or even smaller loops within areas like Lough Key Forest Park, to suit your desired distance and difficulty.