“The Fallows”

A new race on the NIMRA calendar using tracks and paths in Kilbroney Forest Park, Ballyedmond Wood and the excellent mountain terrain surrounding the forest. The race route will be marshalled and junctions marked.

Start – 11.00am.

Distance – 16K / 10 miles

Climb – 800m / 2.600ft.

Start Gr. 185176. Kilbroney Forest Park – small car park beside forestry office.

Climb steadily on good forest track towards Fiddlers Green. At approx 450 metres take the right hand fork and follow the slightly undulating track to the edge of the forest Gr. 196161.

Leave forest and descend gently on path, continue to gate Gr. 204156.

A short steep section of road takes you to Ballyedmond Wood. Climb steeply through wood on a good forest track to a gate at Gr. 208161.

Climb steadily on a good track (N) over open ground to the mast Gr. 204176.

Descend (NE) on a path much favoured by mountain bikers, steadily at first then steeply before crossing a stream and entering the forest Gr. 211181.

For the next 6K you are on fast forest tracks.

Follow the track as it curves through Rostrevor Forest, crossing the Fallow Stream Gr. 214196. then turning sharply (S) and descending to a track junction Gr. 197194.

Go left at junction and continue on forest track. Shortly after crossing a bridge, start a steep climb on the “zig/zag path through the forest. Gr. 197177.

Leave the forest Gr. 202174. and follow the fence, climbing to Slievemeen and on past Ballynagelty. Descend very steeply to enter the forest at Gr. 191170.

Those familiar with the Slieve Martin, Hill and Dale Race will know what a fast descent follows, past Fiddlers Green and on to the finish. Gr. 185176.