Timeline
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
May 25, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
May 25, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
May 25, 2026
Stage 2 begins at the pretty village of O’Briensbridge, set on the River Shannon. The only crossing point between Limerick City and Killaloe, the bridge acts as an important link between the counties of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
Leaving O’Briensbridge you’ll initially trace the course of the Ardnacrusha
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
May 19, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
May 25, 2026
From Castlelough Bay, stage 3 of the Lough Derg Way heads into Castlelough Forest, a lush area of mixed broadleaf woodland carpeted with a violet sea of bluebells in spring. Further on is Garrykennedy, with its ruined 15th-century castle by the water. The award-winning Larkin’s Bar and Restaurant is
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
May 19, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
May 25, 2026
The Lough Derg Way begins in Limerick in the south-west of Ireland. The city’s beautiful old town is famous for its medieval St Mary’s Cathedral, and St. John’s square, lined with elegant Georgian townhouses. Standing guard over the River Shannon, 13th-century King John’s Castle is one of the city’s
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 13, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
The final stage traverses remote rural landscapes approaching the Shannon basin. From Pake Bridge the tree-lined route regularly switches from one side of the canal to the other using beautiful old stone bridges – keep an eye out for bright blue kingfishers skimming the water’s surface and grey herons
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 13, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
This stage, the shortest of the six days, crosses the rural heart of County Westmeath. The trail winds through a glorious mix of landscapes, from dense woodland to open stretches with far-reaching views across farmland and wetland typical of the Irish Midlands. The early miles run close to the dual carriageway
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 13, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
Leaving Enfield, this longer stage travels through peaceful Midlands countryside along straight, leafy stretches of canal. After about 12km (7.5 mi) the village of Longwood is a short detour from the route. With shops, takeaways and pubs, it’s the main refuel point early in the first half of the stage
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 13, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
From Maynooth Harbour, peaceful rural towpaths head out of the commuter belt and through the traditional farmland landscapes of County Kildare and County Meath. You’ll pass a series of 19th-century locks and bridges and old lock-keepers’ cottages. Over the warmer months dragonflies and butterflies skim
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 9, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
The longest of the six stages, this section takes in one of the most tranquil stretches of the Royal Canal, venturing over the border into County Longford. Look out for historic lock structures, traditional stone bridges and restored canal banks as well as a rich variety of wildlife in the surrounding
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 9, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
The Royal Canal Way sets out from the quay at Dublin, where the tidal River Liffey meets the sea. Weaving through the early urban miles there’s plenty of interest, including industrial and engineering history, operational locks and old stone bridges. You’ll pass numerous waterside parks and green corridors
Jen & Sim Benson planned a hike
March 9, 2026
Time
Distance
Speed
Ascent
Descent
March 17, 2026
This is the full route of the 148-km (92-mile) Royal Canal Way linking Dublin City with Cloondara and the River Shannon. It’s a scenic route on easy, flat terrain through varied and engaging landscapes that’s enjoyable all year round. Setting out through the buzz of Dublin’s city streets and travelling
Jen & Sim Benson planned a run
December 4, 2025
Time
Distance
Pace
Ascent
Descent
Sarah likes this.
December 14, 2025
This is the full route of the 240-mile (386-km) Dragon’s Back Race. Starting at Conwy Castle on the north coast, it traverses all of Wales’ major mountain ranges to finish at Cardiff Castle in the south.
Please note there are some differences between the route taken in this Collection and the official
Jen & Sim Benson planned a run
December 3, 2025
Time
Distance
Pace
Ascent
Descent
December 14, 2025
This is regarded by many as the best single day of the Dragon's Back race, and makes a fantastic adventure in its own right. Day five is the longest of the race and punches almost as much ascent as the first stage in Eryri (Snowdonia). It’s also the first day of the two-stage Dragon’s Tail (Cynffon y
Jen & Sim Benson planned a run
December 3, 2025
Time
Distance
Pace
Ascent
Descent
December 14, 2025
Setting out from the medieval battlements of Conwy Castle, the route climbs steeply into the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), scaling the Carneddau and summiting Carnedd Dafydd, the second highest peak in Wales. A technical descent into Ogwen is followed by a steep ascent of Tryfan, its jagged rocks offering
Jen & Sim Benson planned a run
December 3, 2025
Time
Distance
Pace
Ascent
Descent
December 14, 2025
The final stage is less mountainous and wild, with a grand finish at Cardiff Castle. You’ll get the majority of the day’s climbing out of the way early on before leaving Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and following the River Taff towards the sea at Cardiff. There are still a couple of tough hills
May 25, 2026
This is the full route of the Lough Derg Way, a 64-kilometre (40-mi) walking trail which follows the River Shannon and its canals north-east from Limerick to Dromineer on Lough Derg. Use this to plan your own walk or follow our suggested three-stage itinerary, detailed in this Collection: komoot.com/collection/4357811