TRAVEL WALK:TRAIL RUNNING – not to be confused with the much more demanding sport of hill running – is becoming increasingly popular in this country. That's probably in part due to a realisation that pounding out the miles on tarmac is more likely to lead to injuries. But it's also part of a general increased interest in outdoor pursuits as opposed to heading to the gym and racking up monthly costs.
While many popular trails can be hard to access, particularly on public transport, the Bray to Greystones cliff path has the advantage of a fairly regular Dart and bus service at both ends of the trail. It’s a hugely popular walk that provides stunning views of Dublin Bay while also providing a sense of wilderness close to civilisation.
Gaelforce, organisers of the popular adventure races of the same name in Mayo and Donegal, organised a 10km run along the path on a recent spring Saturday evening. About 200 runners of all levels took part in the race which started on Greystones beach and ended on the seafront in Bray. With a mix of road, sealed trail and rugged paths, the route is a good preparation for the kind of terrain you’ll encounter in Gaelforce’s popular run/cycle/kayak events.
If you want to recreate the full 10km run you’ll want to start about halfway down the beach in Greystones (go left when you come out of the Dart station, walk a few hundred yards down Mill Road and you’ll see an entrance to the beach that passes under the railway line). Start your run by heading back north towards the end of the beach with the Dart line on your left-hand side. Leave the beach by the ramp or steps, and at the top go left onto Marine Road, sticking to the footpath as the traffic is one-way and coming against you. Hug the coastline as Marine Road turns into Cliff Road. You’ll have to skirt the stalled marina development, which means there are lots of hoardings here and the path is diverted. Turn right onto the trail proper at a white building with a sign for food and amusements painted on the gable end.
From here navigation is easy, as you are on the cliff path, although over the first 300-400 metres you’ll face further diversions around the marina development. Once out of Greystones, the path is straight but rises relentlessly – not steep enough to bother you when walking, but runners will feel it. Luckily the path levels off a little after about 1.5km. A little further along the gorse-lined path and you are on a narrow, stony path which evokes its original purpose – access for workers to build the 19th-century railway. It hugged the coast rather than taking the more logical route through Shankill and the Glen of the Downs, as Lord Meath did not want his estate bisected.
There are steep cliffs on the seaward side, but walls and fencing protect you from the sheer drops down to the railway line. There are also some steps along the way where you’ll need to exercise caution, particularly if there are a lot of walkers about.
The views are impressive, and as you round Bray Head and pass the old smuggler’s cove at the Brandy Hole, the full vista of Dublin Bay opens up in front of you. Just above the beach in Bray the gravel path turns into a steep road. If you want to make the route a full 10km you’ll need to run to the end of the promenade in Bray and about half way back up to complete the distance.
Greystones to Bray
Map:OSI discovery series, sheet 56
Start and finish:Linear route from the north beach, Greystones to Bray seafront.
How to get there: Take a Dart to Greystones; or you can get the 84X bus from Dublin city centre, although this only runs early evening. If you're driving, drive to Bray and get the Dart to Greystones to start.
Time:50 minutes running; allow two hours walking.
Distance:7km for the trail itself, easily extended to 10km
Total ascent:120m
Suitability:Easy walk or moderate run. Trail runners with good grip advisable if running.
Food and accommodation:Bray and Greystones