The Donkey Loop 

Level      : Moderate road/cross country
Duration : 1hr
Distance: 18 km
Elevation gain: 130 meters

This circular route starts off in Falmouth and follows the main Road to Willoughby Bay, a few miles beyond St James resort and Mamora Bay. It can be shortened by a couple of kilometers, turning left at the Land Rover garage on the way to St James resort, and left again at the top of the hill. Which ever way you chose - the Willoughby road is by far the prettiest, keep riding until you arrive at the village of Belsheda; upon exiting the village, about two hundred meters beyond the last houses you will see a sign for the donkey sanctuary, indicating towards a good but unpaved road veering off to the left. Take this road, and follow it beyond the donkey sanctuary, until you reach the village of Table Hill Gordon. Both the sanctuary and the donkey riding farmers that often use this stretch of track are at the origin of the loop's name.

When arriving at the village, turn to the left as soon as you touch the tarmac, leaving the football pitch to your right.The road soon turns to dirt, and becomes uneven. Ignore all crossroads while climbing towards a small windmill crested hill. and keep going up towards the antennae topped mountains (in fact, the back side of Monks Hill); there is just one crossroad along the way, close to a small house with barking dogs; take the left fork.

A few hundred meters further, after a steep climb you will come to a second crossroad. The left fork is better maintained and leads to the larger of the two antennas, whilst the right fork will take you along a level road towards Monks Hill and Falmouth. Follow this track, and take a right hand turn on the steep downhill track towards Falmouth. You will soon end up at Cobb's Cross junction, on your way back to the marinas.

An alternative return route is to go straight on the asphalted road when you reach the village of Table Hill Gordon. This takes you to the Liberta roundabout next to the police station, from where you take the main road back to Falmouth, an easier but less rewarding ride.