Tievenadarragh Wood, Down

Badger Rating 3.8/5

A tough, technical bike-breaker that will make you a better cyclist. Fairly short and there are not many opportunities to extend the run without laps, so good for the locals but not one to travel significant distance for.

Getting There

* FOREST COMPLETELY CLOSED TO EVERYONE DUE TO TREE DISEASE. PLEASE RESPECT THE SIGNS AND STAY OUT OF THE FOREST, AS GOING IN AND THEN RIDING SOMEWHERE ELSE CAN SPREAD THE DISEASE AND REQUIRE MORE FOREST CLEARING *

On the Newcastle Rd between Ballynahinch and Seaford, less than one mile on the right past Brennan’s Petrol Station travelling from Seaford.

Trail Description

Sean says:

I found out about it a few years ago when there was a race there. It is easily one of the toughest and most technically challenging trails I have ever ridden. The whole trail from start to finish is relentless; it comes in just under seven kilometres but feels like forty.

The trail is predominantly man made and packed into a fairly small overall footprint, lots of switchbacks leading immediately to sphincter-tightening descents. There are some particularly hairy off camber climbs one of which cost me a knuckle.

This is not a fun blast with some flowing sessions - it is a tough, technical bike-breaker that will make you a better cyclist and maybe help you to get better acquainted with your local hospital. It is fairly short and there are not many opportunities to extend the run without laps, so good for the locals but I wouldn’t want to bring you down on one errand.

I haven’t ridden Teevenadaragh in about a year and a half as I have moved to Edinburgh. But in two years of sessions at the place it didn’t change much so I would imagine it is still hot.

By the way a couple of time I nearly ‘greased my can’ by not checking my exits on some of the faster corners. Some of these (you will be able to see the main road through the trees) cross narrow deep gullies, the trail fairies have put woodenplanks over them so you don’t have to dismount, but what the trail fairy giveth the trail fairy taketh away. The odd time the plank is in the gully rather than over it.

The site kicks ass by the way ,it is exactly the kind of thing I looked for when I lived in NI. Good Job.

Location

Trail Head

Movies of Tievenadarragh Wood, Down

Reviews for this trail

Write A Review

3.8

Comments

Conor: about 14 years ago

Rating:5 badgers
Keep Out ... its a little gem! Run and bike tracks regularly ... nearly always no-one else about so not a danger to run the trails! Great spot and hard work ... could be even better if the forest service was prepared to do a bit of work. Good single track with short moderate climbs and some technical downhills, lots of roots ... and the odd tumble ... but 'if you ain't fallin' yur not trying'!!!

Paddy: about 15 years ago

Rating:4 badgers
i've been riding this trail for a few weeks and it's great, the trail fairies have been out in force and it's a bit more than a XC course now. worth a look if your passing heading to tolly etc

Si: about 16 years ago

Rating:3 badgers

NOTE: The trails on this site have been ridden before, but you should not interpret their inclusion as an indication that mountain-biking is officially sanctioned on them. Seeking permission from landowners is your own responsibility, as is conducting yourself in a manner that is courteous, respectful to the environment, and conscious of the safety of others.

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