Quality Walk

Cladagh Glen Walk

Section 1 of the Cuilcagh Way

The Cladagh River journeys down a narrow, steeply-sided gorge towards the Erne lowland. The gorge is covered by a long-established ash woodland. Red route on the attached map. The Cuilcagh Way is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

County

Fermanagh

Distance

1.6 miles

OS Map

Sheet 26

Nearest Town

Enniskillen or Belcoo

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Riverside, Woodland

Terrain

Path, walkway, steps, tracks

Grid Reference (Start)

H128356

Grid Reference (End)

H120345

Point of Interest

Caves, the Folly, the Cascade

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Fermanagh

Route Description

The Cuilcagh Way is a waymarked route that stretches for 33km through a breath taking patchwork of habitats in southern Fermanagh.The route can be walked in sections and provides stunning views, fascinating geology, mystifying wildlife, captivating archaeology and natural history: enough to whet anyone’s appetite for adventure.

The Cladagh Glen Walk is a way marked linear route through the striking landscape of the Cladagh River gorge. Following the course of the river, this walking route takes you through a steep limestone gorge that is thickly covered by an ancient ash woodland. Though it was once widespread, this sort of damp ash woodland is now rare in Ireland and the entire gorge is protected as part of the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. There are many features of interest along the route- steep limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, cave springs, a turbulent river and a rich treasury of wild flowers. The most important feature to visit is the Marble Arch, an impressive natural archway that spans over the river, it is here that the Marble Arch Caves take its name.

The walk follows gravel paths passing through deep woodland to where a wooden stairway climbs over rocky outcrops before taking you past the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre. Here you can enjoy a guided tour of one of Europe’s finest showcaves or just relax before taking the final jaunt of your journey along a quiet country road to the entrance of Cuilcagh Mountain Park.

Route description written as if you are starting the walk from the Cladagh Glen car park.

Did you know? The Cladagh Glen takes its name from the Cladagh River which is formed in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves where the Owenbrean, Shruh Croppa and Aghinrawn rivers come together. The Cladagh River re-emerges from its underground journey at the Marble Arch Rising to make its way winding and twisting down through the narrow-steep sided gorge of the Cladagh Glen to join the Arney River and eventually, Lough Erne.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

The Cladagh Glen car park is signposted on the Blacklion to Florencecourt Road

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs are permitted providing they are kept on a lead

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

Café (wheelchair accessible) - (all at Marble Arch Caves)
Visitors Centre
Disabled toilets
Disabled parking

Facilities

Car park. The Visitor Centre at the Marble Arch Caves (run by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) is open from late March to September, from 10.00 am-4.30/5.00 pm, with toilets, café, guided tours of the caves and shop.

Publication

Cuilcagh Way A Walker's Guide

Publication Availability

Available from Marble Arch Caves or Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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