Derroura Mountain Bike Hire Trail
Derroura MTB trail was officially opened in April 2009.Of all the Coillte MTB Trails, Derroura is the most natural and has the most variable terrain. Natural granite single tracks wind 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 . At the top, a clear day will give you fabulous views of Lough Corrib.
Parts of the trail are technical, steep and rocky and you need to know how to handle a bike over all kinds of terrain including exposed rock slabs, boulders, mud, roots, loose gravel and even elevated timber boardwalks.The waymarked loop includes long climbs and decents over a wide variety of sometimes difficult terrain on trails that are only suitable for mountain bikes i.e. bikes with 26 inch wheels, knobbly tyres and flat handlebars.
The thrill 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. The boards wind through the reeds of the Connemara bog for ages and for hardtail users they are a welcome relief from the pounding of the stones and gravel. The occasional broken board also adds to the enjoyment of this trail.
