Also known as the Old Rail Trail, the route between Mullingar and Athlone runs along the old rail line and is now an off-road cycle path of 41 Kms or 43 Kms if finishing in both town centres. The route is flat and constructed of asphalt/ tarmac and is an excellent cycle route. 

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The Old Rail Trail is a rural route through the heart of the Irish Midlands, starting in the market town of Mullingar and continuing on a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The railway line was closed in 1987. This was a double track railway line and one of the tracks remains in place for much of the route. The other track is now replaced with the cycle path. The 43km journey takes us through rich fertile farmland, away from the hustle of towns, in a beautiful rural setting to the bustling town of Athlone.

The route starts at the Old Rail Trail car park in Mullingar. The route runs parallel to the Royal Canal Greenway for about 4 Kms to the west of Mullingar. The Royal Canal greenway branches north towards Longford at Ballinea Bridge, while the Old Rail Trail continues to Athlone.

Alternatively, cyclists can cycle alongside the Royal Canal for 4 Kms from Mullingar to Ballinea Bridge. There is a signpost at the bridge, see image below, to direct cyclists to Athlone or towards Longford.

The canal meets the Old Rail Trail at several points before they separate at Ballinea Bridge, see maps below. Click on Streetview icon to see the physical location.