Go Forth and find new routes!
Claragh avails of ideal training terrain on her doorstep
THIS WEEK Claragh Keane writes about how lockdown led to her discovering a new favourite place to train, right on her doorstep!
The D.M.P. athlete is one of the rising stars of athletics in County Wexford. She has represented both her club and her school, Presentation Wexford, with distinction at national level.
Indeed, her success on both the provincial and national stages has led to Leinster selection for the Tailteann Games and selection to the Irish teams for the Celtic Games and S.I.A.B’s (schools international).
To say she is passionate about athletics would be an understatement. Happily, she has the temperament, the talent and the will to go with it. Claragh is coached by John Joe Doyle.
Here’s her story:
‘Wexford is blessed with an abundance of fabulous places in which to run, jog or walk, from long, sandy beaches to forest trails to parks.
‘There is, however, one place in the county which is truly heaven on earth for any athlete looking for the ultimate off-road experience.
‘Forth Mountain is a rock outcrop to the southwest of Wexford town, rising to 235m at its highest point. Wexford County Council and Coillte have recently done amazing work to make the many trails which criss-cross the mountain navigable, accessible, and open to the public.
‘What was, up to a few months ago, a well-kept secret has now become the go-to destination for walkers, runners, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.
‘Having myself run there no more than a handful of times before the coronavirus lockdown, I really did not get to appreciate the full extent of the trails and the variety of terrain on offer until, with the introduction of the 2km travel-from-home restriction, I had little choice but to go exploring.
‘As I did not know many of the trails, every run was an adventure. I have now been training here for three months and I can safely say that you will not find a more exciting and challenging place in which to run. Nor will you ever get bored: I am still discovering new paths.
‘Last Sunday, my clubmate John Stone, who lives nearby and knows the mountain like the back of his hand, brought me on his favourite loop. This further broadened my knowledge of the trails so that I can now intertwine all of the routes I have learned to make one big lap.
‘One thing to note about Forth Mountain is that, although it may not be the biggest mountain in Ireland, it is still a mountain and, as such, it commands respect. While there are amazing views in all directions, there are a few cliff-edges that are not for the faint-hearted.
‘Regarding the trails, the one thing to know is that there is a red trail and a blue trail. The red trail is around 10km in distance. The blue trail is part of the 13km Three Rocks Trail which starts at Ferrycarrig and takes in various historical, geographical and geological features along the way.
‘I like to take in elements of both trails. The fun starts when one ventures onto some of the unmarked forest tracks. In fact, going off-piste onto these moss-covered tracks through the trees is one of the true delights of running on Forth Mountain. Don’t worry about getting lost as all routes ultimately lead back to the main trail.
‘The red trail, at its western end, descends and crosses the road into woods at Tinacurra before taking in a short section of road and returning to Forth Commons at the grotto. There is a lovely 2km loop in Tinacurra which is ideal for fartlek and longer distance sessions.
‘Those following the blue trail may be dismayed to find it runs out at a roadway. There are two options at this point: the first is to turn around and return the way you came; the second is to turn right along the road for three to four minutes, then take a left into the new trail around Carrigfoyle where major work is currently under way to create a new outdoor land- and water-based activity centre.
‘Once back on the road, you must then retrace your steps to the blue trail or face a couple of kilometress of road before getting back to the trails.
‘For families there is a loop which I like to call ‘the fairy door loop’ because of the many fairy doors and painted stones dotted along the way. There is a popular lookout point here at Skeater Rock from where you can see the Wexford coastline down to Hook Head and across to Dunmore East.
‘Indeed, there are so many large rocks, I always think of the Disney film ‘The Lion King’. There is one particular rock I like to call ‘Pride Rock’, otherwise known as The Raven Rock, the point at which the three baronies of Forth, Bargy and Shelmalier meet.
‘The underfoot conditions go from compacted hardcore to fine grit to forest floor. I recommend that runners wear trail shoes, especially if planning to explore the unmarked trails, many of which can be uneven and mucky. Trail runners, while not essential, will give more grip and lessen one’s chances of taking a tumble.
‘My favourite time to run the trails is early in the day. It is very peaceful with the sound of happy birdsong on the morning air. Listen carefully and you may hear a cuckoo calling. You may also encounter woodcocks, pheasants, red squirrels and foxes.
‘The trails are lined with gorse, heather and foxgloves, which, when in bloom, burst forth in dazzling purples and golds. I am looking forward to feasting on ripe fraughan berries and blackberries as the bushes of both are everywhere on the mountain.
‘I like running in the evening also, finishing my run just as the sun sets behind the trees and the wildlife is settling down for the night.
‘The Forth Mountain trails are suitable for all levels and ages. It is a perfect place for group runs as the paths are generally wide, so allowing for social distancing. I usually run with a clubmate, a friend or a family member for company.
‘There are numerous access points to the trails, from the Barntown side, the New Line Road, and from various points in between. The preferred starting point for many, not withstanding the initial steep ascent, is via the New Line car park at the edge of Shelmalier Commons. I usually head for a spot just up from Casey’s crossroad as it is closer to home.
‘All the official access points to the trails have a route map with a barcode which you can scan and access with your phone. Then again, who runs with their phone?!’
Access: New Line Road carpark
Grid Ref: S 969 166
Sat Nav: 52.293, -6.580
Red trail: 10km (with options to extend) Going: Moderate
GENERAL NEWS
The latest Covid-19 updates from Athletics Ireland include the key developments in Phase two:
Groups of up to 15, including athletes, trainers and coaches, may return to training while maintaining social distancing at all times;
You may travel within your own county, or up to 20 kilometres from your home if crossing county boundaries;
Twelve-year-olds turning 13 years in 2020 (born in 2007 and before) may train with their age group in their club and are insured.
Regarding the holding of Juvenile track and field competition this year, the Athletics Ireland Juvenile and competition committees are meeting regularly to plan a return to competition within government guidelines.
Provisional dates in August and September are planned for Under-14 groups and above, and these will be published in the coming days. All dates will be contingent on meeting government guidelines.