Situated in the Slieve Bloom Mountains the Capard Loop is one of the best walks and combines a beautiful wooded valley with lofty ridge views for all to enjoy.
At almost 500m above the surrounding flat countryside, the wild windswept ridge is home to a vast array of wild plant and animal life and it is possible to see well into the counties surrounding Laois. On a clear day the Wicklow Mountains are visible.
The Ridge of Capard Trailhead is the starting point for 3 waymarked circular trails.
The Viewing Platform Route
- Distance: 300m to spectacular views , follow green arrows
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Forestry tracks
- To suit: All levels of fitness
- For map click here
The Capard Route
- Distance: 2km, follow blue arrows
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Specially designed boardwalk route
- To suit: All levels of fitness, A favorite with Children
- For map click here
Glenbarrow Route
- Distance: 4km, follow purple arrows
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Forestry road, track, through Cones deserted village
- To suit: Medium level of fitness
- For map click here
Other Related Slieve Bloom Walks
The Long Distance Slieve Bloom Way also passes through this point.
2 of 3 walks starting from the Glenbarrow Trailhead also pass through the Ridge of Capard (with the third walk passing very close by).
Getting there
There are car parking facilities plus picnic tables at the Capard trailhead.
Grid Reference: N 364 065
For more information see the Slieve Bloom Outdoors Website