Cladagh Glen Walk

About

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.

Start Point:
H128356

Finish Point:
H120345

Route:
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.

Distance:
1.6 miles

Terrain:
Path, walkway, steps, tracks

Point of interest:
Caves, the Folly, the Cascade

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

Nearest town:
Enniskillen or Belcoo

OS map:
Sheet 26

Accessible terrain:
Unsurfaced path with some steps