Tour De Bog
COMMENT: Cycling is another good way to see Roundstone and Connemara, and thi is the classic cycle loop around .here, one I have often done myself. Bike rental i available locally -just ask at Reception. The distance might not sound much, but if yo haven't been on a bike since your schooldays you'll notice it. We'll get the few main hilJ out of the way early on, so this is a clockwise route.
Bicycles can be rented in the village -just ask for details at Reception.
START AND FINISH:
Roundstone village.
CYCLE:
It is in fact a simple route: cycle on the R34l through Ballyconneely, turn rigl at Ballinaboy onto a quieter road across the bog, and then turn right onto the R34l agai at Toombeola, back to Roundstone.
So, from Roundstone (A) head West on the R34l, passing Gurteen Bay an flogs Bay (B) on the left. There are fine views of Errisbeg up to the right, and down le onto the extraordinary white strand at Dogs Bay. Now, as the route swings Northwar( the hills begin to bite, and don't worry if they are a bit too much -just get off and wal for say ten minutes here and there if you like.
The good news is that the corresponding downhills offer a nice freewheel, an then the road is fairly level as you move on towards Ballyconneely, enjoying coasu views and passing by some placid lakes.
At Ballyconneely (C) there is a pub and a shop, and a church if things are thi bad. Be warned -this is the last shop before the return to Roundstone. Then the onwar route passes beside an attractive shore line session, and brings you through a crossroad (D) with signposts about the Alcock and Brown exploits (see Walk No.6). At Ballinabo Bridge (E), where there is a significant bend in the road, you now leave the R34l,i.e d not turn left for Clifden, but turn right, presently unsigned for anything except a B&B.
After a short uphill h.ere, the route levels out into what I think is the real featur of this cycle, going along a (usually) quiet road with great views of the Twelve Pins t the left. You pass many attractive lakes, and while there a few minor hills here and thert it is an easy enough part of the route.
As you near Toombeola (from the Irish for the tomb of Beola, who was in ear! times quite a local lad -the Irish for the Twelve Pins is na Beanna Beola, also name after him), you reach the R34l again (F), and turn down right for the fina16km back int Roundstone.
Remember that these roads can be busy, so cycle carefully in single file, wear a helmel and bright clothes. and stay well in to the left-hand side.
