Cycling the grand canal

Robertstown to Rathangan (all open, one rough stretch approx 1.3km needs care on a road bike) 14km, Rathangan to Monasterevin (only 3km with new surface, the next 3km closed for the construction you see above, the rest unimproved grass track and some road) 10km

As far as I know, Hazelhatch to Sallins is due to be completed July this year.

Robertstown to Rathangan is done, and Rathangan to Monasterevin is expected in Spring (I think)

Monasterevin to Vicarstown is already complete.

No idea what the story is once you cross the border into Dublin

Still a couple of sections between Monasterevin and Vicarstown to finish, work ongoing between Courtwood Bridge and Vicarstown (3km immediatly north of Vicarstown), no works as yet between the motorway bridge and Monasterevin, though a section of this is public road.

Vicarstown to Milltown Bridge is done, a couple of KM to do then into Athy

On the mainline Grand Canal, works are mostly complete west of Edenderry to Tullamore, except a short stretch the Edenderry side of Daingean, I'd imagine that won't take long. I'm not sure if Offaly will continue on to the Kildare border near Ticknevin.

There was an issue with access I believe, so they had to work out of order till it was sorted, I understand progress is good on the stretch from Vicarstown north. August 22 was the date being spoken about locally for the surfacing works to be complete, not sure if that's still good but the weather has been favourable so far this year.

Grangecastle to Hazelhatch is badly in need of getting done

I have to admit I’m torn when it comes to this resurfacing. I did the Grand Canal/Barrow Navigation last year, and it was really lovely to essentially be cycling across a field most of the way, surrounded by unspoilt nature. On the other hand, it was hard going, and this does open it up to more people on different kinds of bikes.

So Edenderry to Tullamore is surfaced?

Thanks for that

Yes, checked that section east of Daingean today on my road bike , all done ,nice surface.

Nothing obvious at the Lucan end anyway.

Is the Canal still really dangerous by Clondalkin? Heard some awful stories of attacks couple of years back

I have to cycle out towards Casement at few days the next few weeks and obviously want to avoid the N7.

I have a nice bike.

Thanks might chance it so.

I've been cycling it between 8am-9am and 5-6pm between Parkwest and Lucan for the last few months and the bad element is mostly missing. In fact, it's much better than pre covid whatever happened to them! I've only seen one scooter and a couple of horses but no issues since March. From Parkwest to Lucan there are more people around now on ebikes and eclectric scooters that weren't there before which might have something to do with it!

Good to hear. I will give it a shot on the morning commute next week then. still dubious of the evening.