Bonet River Loop

Bonet River Loop is a short 3.2 km / 2.0 mi circuit in County Leitrim that packs a surprising amount into about 45 minutes. The route climbs and descends gently through a low river valley, gaining 69 m / 226 ft and reaching a highest point of 93 m / 304 ft, which is enough to give it a medium difficulty despite the modest distance.

This is a good choice for walkers who want a compact outing with a mix of riverside scenery, woodland edges and quiet rural ground rather than a long day in the hills. The loop format keeps navigation straightforward, with the walk returning to the same roadside start near Leitrim.

The route

From the roadside start on the L2175, the loop heads into the Bonet valley on a network of short connecting tracks and paths. The shape of the route creates a few distinct sections rather than one single straight run, with one side of the walk following the river corridor more closely and the other looping back across slightly higher ground.

Because the route is short, the changes in direction and the small rises and dips are what give it character. Walkers can expect a mix of easy-going stretches and a few places where the gradient or footing asks for a bit more attention than the distance alone suggests.

Terrain and difficulty

Although the overall ascent is only 69 m / 226 ft, the trail is not completely flat. The highest ground is 93 m / 304 ft, and the route’s medium grading makes sense for a walk that combines short climbs with uneven natural surfaces.

Sturdy footwear is the sensible choice here, especially after wet weather when riverside and woodland sections can hold moisture. The outing is brief enough for a relaxed walk, but it still suits people prepared for proper trail conditions rather than a paved promenade.

Getting there

The trail starts on the L2175 near Leitrim in County Leitrim. For drivers, the most practical approach is by local road from the surrounding villages and small towns in north Leitrim.

For public transport, the nearest useful hub is Carrick-on-Shannon. TFI Local Link route 567 links Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton, and Carrick-on-Shannon railway station is served by trains on the Dublin to Sligo line. From there, onward travel by local road is needed to reach the start.

Nature along the Bonet

The Bonet River is one of the main natural features of this walk, and the river corridor supports rich wildlife. The wider Bonet catchment is known for species including trout, salmon, lamprey and white-clawed crayfish, while the banks and nearby woodland edges provide habitat for otters, red squirrels, badgers and a range of birds and bats.

That makes this short loop feel more varied than its distance suggests. Even on a brief outing, the combination of water, trees and open rural margins gives the walk a strong sense of place.

Practical preparation

Allow about 45 minutes for the 3.2 km / 2.0 mi loop, with extra time if stopping by the river or walking at an easy pace. As this is a short countryside route, it works well as a standalone leg-stretcher or as part of a wider day exploring Leitrim.

Weatherproof layers are worth carrying even for a quick walk, and HiiKER is the best place to check the route before setting out.