IMRA Silvermines - Killoscully Half Marathon

A varied route, with about 9km on single track trails, 8.5km on forest roads and the rest on quiet country roads.

The route begins in Knockanroe Woods before a boggy out-and-back section of Silvermines Mountain ridge, with views of the now disused mines on one side, and a preview of Keeper Hill on the other. Once back in the forest, the route follows a narrow trail on a very steep descent (trail running shoes are highly recommended) onto a road running alongside the Mulkear River. A right turn off the road begins the climb to the cairn at the top of Keeper Hill. With over 450m gained in 3km, and a mix of grassy paths, stony tracks, dark forest, and open mountain this is the toughest part of the route. The cairn (and communications mast...) is at 694m with views in all directions. From here to Killoscully is almost 9km and almost all downhill! The downhill starts on forest road into Ballyhourigan forest, and then heads off-road onto mucky and grassy trails, before levelling out when reaching the road. The final section into Killoscully follows an old-mass path that has been restored by the local community. Note that roads are not closed so rules of the road apply.