Glenaniff and Barr Rd Cycles, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim Mountain climbs

Road Cycles 2018

Ask any road cyclist in Leitrim which climbs strike fear into them, and these will be the hills they name. These climbs are not for the faint-hearted so be sure you are trained and fit or that you have a super granny gear before you try them! As ever the rewards for hard work are great as the views on and from these climbs are simply stunning. The road surfaces are fairly good but descend carefully in case you encounter gravel or the odd stray sheep.

Glenaniff climb is in the centre of the map. Take the Lough Melvin shore road from Kinlough and about 1km after the first long drag turn right. This takes you up the switchback side of the Glenaniff Climb (3km, av 8%, max 20%, gain 230m). Focus on the mobile mast – once you reach this you are nearly at the top. From the south side the climb is shorter (1.3km, av 9%, max 22%, gain 115m) but is approached through a very long drag up Glenaniff valley. This climb is called The Gates of Glan and features gorgeous views of mountains, lakes and the ocean.