Spring Walking Festival 2014

Spring Walking Festival 2014

Fermanagh District Council have organised a ONE DAY walk encapsulating the Cuilcagh Mountain area on Saturday 15 March 2014. The walk provides an opportunity for individuals to come out and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of one of Fermanagh’s finest landscapes. The Spring Walking Festival costs £10 per person with two different walk start times available. Pre – registration is essential with places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Cuilcagh Mountain

This walk is suitable for experienced walkers of steep terrain and long distances. This walk is not suitable for under 12 year olds. A packed lunch and drinks are essential.

Walk 1

Registration: 8.30am – 9.00am    Depart: 9.00am

Walk 2

Registration: 9.00am – 9.30am    Depart: 9.30am

Distance: 12/13km

Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Walk Information

The Cuilcagh Mountain walk will depart from the Marble Arch Caves car park at the outlined times.

Walkers will be transported to Ballyvelly Gap in County Cavan to the base of Cuilcagh Mountain to begin their ascent to the summit plateau. On the summit plateau (665metres) there is the large stone cairn where 360° panoramic views of the surrounding countryside can be seen. On clearly visible day views can encompass counties Tyrone, Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon. If the weather is particularly favourable Nephin Beg Mountain Range in County Mayo may be seen. Following the ascent to the summit plateau walkers will then plateau towards Tiltlnbane descending Cuilcagh along the Fermanagh border traversing across rare habitat types including limestone pavement and upland blanket bog. On the return route walkers will traverse blanket bog which can be wet underfoot before making their way towards Killykeegan and emerging on the roadway towards the Marble Arch Caves thus completing the walk.

^*Please note the exact Cuilcagh route may be subject to change pending weather conditions and an alternative walk may be utilised in extreme circumstances. This walk should only be undertaken by experienced walkers.

Additional Information

The following are essential for participation;

Ø  Warm waterproof clothing (including a change of clothing)

Ø  Denim clothing is not suitable

Ø  Walking boots; please ensure boots are worn in

Ø  Suncream, hats and gloves

Ø  A packed lunch and drinks

Safety Notes

Ø  It is essential that you understand that walking in the countryside can be dangerous if you do not use the correct equipment etc.

Ø  All persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No – one under 12 is allowed to participate in the walk.

Ø  All walkers must sign in at the beginning of the walk and sign out upon their return.

Ø  No one is authorised to join a walk at any other location other than at the registration centre.

Ø  Dogs are not permitted on any of the walks.

Ø  A health questionnaire must be completed before persons can participate in the festival.

Leave No trace

Please take all your litter home, respect wildlife and be considerate of other people and their property.

Registration and Booking

Pre – registration is essential with places allocated on a first come, first served basis; please note numbers are limited. The Cuilcagh Mountain walk is £10 per person with two walk start times available. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Fermanagh District Council’.

In order to book your place, please complete the walk registration form which is available from www.fermanagh.gov.uk/springwalk or contact;

Chris Elliott

Events Officer – Leisure & Sports Development

Fermanagh District Council

Townhall

Enniskillen

Co.Fermanagh

BT74 7BA

Tel: 028 6632 5050     E-mail: chris.elliott@fermanagh.gov.uk

The deadline for booking is 12nooon on 12^th March 2014. All registration forms must be returned with the £10 entry fee. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Fermanagh District Council’.

Directions

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark Visitor Centre is located 11 miles south west of Enniskillen and can be accessed via the A4 Sligo road and A32 Swanlinbar Road. From Blacklion the site can be accessed off the N16 on the Blacklion - Florencecourt Road. Parking facilities will be available at the visitor centre.