Distance: 16km
Terrain: Fireroad for the climbing, forest trails and rocky single track and occasional boardwalk
Difficulty: Beginner to advanced
Condition: Well Maintained
Sign posted: Yes, lightly
Bike rental: No
Brief description: For any of the Dublin mountain bikers who train at the Leadmines, or Ticknock the first section of Derroura has a very similar feel. Natural granite single track winds through Derroura, one of the few forests in Connemara. After the first climb which lasts about 5 minutes, you descend gently onto a wooden bridge over a stream and then climb your way out of it past a thatch cottage.As you progress up to the summit the ground changes into rugged stoney ground like Ballinastoe. Ideally you should have full suspension here.The fun goes on as you begin your descent back to the car park. There is literally hundreds of meters of north shore on your way back down.Derroura is a relatively easy trail to ride, with nothing too technical. It is however quite tiring. Not one of my favourite trails as I've had bad experiences and also because the first half of the trail is bland and boring.
