Ballyglass Walk

Ballyglass Walk is a short but fairly punchy point-to-point outing in County Leitrim. Over 2.0 km / 1.3 mi it gains 95 m / 312 ft, reaches a highest point of 137 m / 448 ft, and usually takes about half an hour. Although brief, the steady ascent and descent give it a medium difficulty rating, so it feels more like a compact hill walk than a gentle stroll.

The route

The walk starts on the L2175 and finishes back on the same local road a short distance from the start. The route rises quickly for its length, then undulates around the higher ground before descending again, with 83 m / 272 ft of total descent by the end. Because it is a point-to-point route rather than a circuit, walkers should check the finish location on HiiKER before setting off, even though the two road access points are close together.

Terrain and difficulty

This is a good choice for walkers who want a quick climb with a bit of effort packed into a short distance. The combination of hillside gradients and a relatively sharp height gain over 2.0 km / 1.3 mi means sturdy footwear is a sensible choice, especially after wet weather. The highest ground is only 137 m / 448 ft, but the route still delivers a noticeably up-and-down feel.

Getting there

The start lies just outside Leitrim on the L2175, close to the R280. Leitrim sits at the junction of the R280 and R284, making the walk straightforward to reach by car from Carrick-on-Shannon, Drumkeeran or Manorhamilton. Bus services operate within County Leitrim, and Leitrim is the nearest settlement for access and basic trip planning, but walkers should arrange the final approach to the trailhead in advance as the route begins on a small local road rather than in the village centre.

Setting

The walk is set in the quiet inland landscape around Leitrim, an area of small roads, wooded slopes and rolling countryside. The R280 is one of the main roads through this part of the county, linking Leitrim with places including Drumkeeran and Manorhamilton, while the surrounding area is known for a mix of forest, lakes and rural views. That setting gives Ballyglass Walk a tucked-away feel despite being close to the village road network.

Practical preparation

With an estimated duration of about 33 minutes, this is an easy walk to fit into a wider day in Leitrim, but it still deserves the same basic preparation as a longer outing. Waterproof layers and shoes with grip are sensible for hillside ground, and walkers should keep an eye on footing on the steeper sections. As the route begins and ends on the L2175, care is also needed around roadside access at both ends.