This loop is the shorter of two developed on the hill through the Trail Kilkenny Programme. the other walk at Tory Hill is Frochans loop.

A-B. Starting from the car park, enter Carrickinane Woods through a metal barrier. Follow the green (and purple) arrows along the forestry track for 500m to reach a downhill track on the left. This is the point from which the loop ‘proper’ begins and to which you will return on your homeward journey. Continue straight ahead.

B-C. Continue to follow the green and purple arrows – ascending gently along the forest roadway for a further 1.5km to reach a left bend near the top of Tory Hill. The more challenging Tory Hill Loop (purple arrows) turns left here onto a grassy path heading to the summit. You stay on the forest roadway following the green arrows.

C-D. After 200m you reach a Y-junction where you veer left and, after 500m reach the end of the forestry road at large concrete foundations. These were put in place for masts that were proposed at this site some time ago but were not erected. You rejoin the purple loop here as it descends from the summit of Tory Hill and turn right onto a grassy downhill track.

D-A. Follow the grassy track downhill and turn left when it joins a forestry track. After another 200m you rejoin the forestry road you left on your outward journey (see B above). Turn right here – it’s only 500m to the trailhead.