When taking a trip this winter, why not consider Cavan as the perfect destination to get out and about in the fresh air. Our scenic landscape of rolling drumlins and lakeside parks give you the opportunity to walk off the Christmas indulgences and leave you feeling refreshed for the new year ahead. There are over 20 trails listed here on our website that range from 2km’s to 26km’s. We have picked out ten of the best ones that are suitable for an Irish Winter. Keep reading to discover more.
Castle Saunderson Demesne
Situated just along the border with County Fermanagh, Castle Saunderson has a troubled history. Once owned by Colonel Saunderson, founder of the Ulster Unionist Party. This trail is approximately 2km’s long and is mostly gravel track. You will find information panels along the trail that will tell you about the history of this once very important estate. An ideal walk for kids or for a short stroll this winter.
Deerpark Forest Walk
Situated just outside Virginia, this is a lovely walk even on a rainy day. There are three trails in the forest. One is to multi access standard. The Lough Ramor loop of 4.2 Km (one hour and graded easy) takes you along by the park river and the shores of Lough Ramor. The golden way heritage trail is 2.1km (one hour and graded easy) and incorporates the best of local built heritage. The multi access trail of 1.1 Km, takes you from the car park to the stone bridge across the park river and takes circa one hour. Make sure to bring the camera for this one.
Dun an Rí Forest Park
Get lost among the many trails and tracks in Dun an Rí forest park. Situated just outside Kingscourt and not far from Cabra Castle Hotel. There are four signposted walks in Dun a Ri Forest Park. The Nature Trail, the Village Walk, the River Walk and the access for all Trail. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy a cup of tea as well as lots of cafes and places to grab a bite to eat in Kingscourt.
Killeshandra Lake and Forest Park
Situated in the heart of the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Killeshandra is the ideal base for your walking break this winter. The Killeshandra loop walk takes in 6kms of pathways and forest roads for a great way to stretch the legs. Take a rest in Killeshandra before you start on the next walk which is right beside you in Killykeen.
Killykeen Way Greenway
Newly opened in 2021, the Killykeen Way Greenway is a mostly off-road trail from Killykeen forest park (which also has lovely trails) into the town of Killeshandra and back. A lovely walk for any fitness level, it is also a great trail for cycling. Start at the footbridge in Killykeen Forest Park and follow the signs towards Killeshandra via the upper trail on the Gartanoul peninsula. Find more information and a map here.
Nuns Walk
Part of Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff, the Nuns walk is a scenic and peaceful walk to take after you have visited the museum. This wooded trail circles past the World War 1 Trench experience at the Museum. You will find information boards placed along the walk giving you the natural heritage and social history of the area. This is a short 2km walk with a coffee shop, WW1 Trench Experience and GPO outdoor experience also available during the museum opening hours.
Mullagh Hill Walk
Take a hike up Mullagh hill on a good winters day to get the best views. This is a steep 2km walk but worth it when you get to the top. On a good day, enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Cavan and neighbouring Meath countryside as well as Mullagh Lake. At the summit you will find a handy picnic table where you can sit and enjoy the views.
Flemings Folly
This is a 5km out and back scenic walk. Fleming’s folly is a historic tower overlooking Ballinagh with stunning views of the countryside. On a good day you can see 3 provinces from here. Read all about it in our blog post here.
Castle Lake Walk
The Castle Lake walk is situated along the banks of Castle Lake just outside Bailieborough. The Castle Loop is the longer of two looped walks in the forest. It is approximately 6.5km in length and takes about 2 hours to walk. The Lake Loop is approximately 3.5km in length and takes about an hour to walk. After about 500m there is a memorial to those who died at Rebel Hill in 1798. There are plenty of viewing points of the lake along the way, and on your way back to the car park you will also pass a track leading to a rath on the top of Rebel Hill. This is a great walk to burn off the extra turkey consumed over Christmas!
Ballyconnell Canal Walk
The Ballyconnell Loop starts from the bridge in the middle of the town and explores the banks of the Woodford River and Annagh Lough Woods. Follow the purple arrows through the park that takes you along the canal. This is a great walk and a great base to explore Ballyconnell and West Cavan.
After your days walk or cycle be sure to reward yourself in one of Cavan’s many bars and restaurants. We would highly recommend for you to stay a night or two to really get the most out of your winter break. This is adventure, this is a winter wonderland, This is Cavan.
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