CAVAN WALKING FESTIVAL Now in its eight year, Cavan Walking Festival returns with a wide variety of trails, rambles and hikes through Cavan’s breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

Cavan Walking Festival works with our local community groups and volunteers so that we can offer a walk for everyone.

We would like to thank all our partners for their work and supports.

LEAVE NO TRACECavan Walking Festival supports Leave No Trace Principals of Outdoor Ethics. Please support our county by leaving nothing but footprints.

THE CAVAN WAYThe Cavan Way is a pleasant 26km linear hill and valley walking route between the villages of Dowra and Blacklion in West Cavan. A National Trail and part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark this walk progresses from the village of Dowra northwards to the magical Shannon Pot, ascends into the limestone karst landscape through Cavan Burren Park before descending into the village of Blacklion.

The terrain consists of predominantly quiet roads, forest trails and open moorland. Over two days; Saturday and Sunday we will walk the Cavan Way covering 13km each day.

Cuilcagh Mountain Summit Walk has not been included on the itinerary for Cavan Walking Festival 2018. Under the remit of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, Cavan County Council continues to commit to the conservation and protection of Cuilcagh Mountain, an area designated under EU Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation.

Pre-Registration is essential for these walks.The cost of each Cavan Way walk is €15 to cover transport, guides and refreshments. Early bird deal for both walks of €25 until April 27th. Register at; www.cavansportspartnership.ie

DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to make all our walks as safe and as enjoyable as possible, however any event attended by you is done so at your own risk. Due care has been exercised by the organising committee of the Cavan Walking Festival however the organisers and associated sponsors of the festival accept no liability for loss, accident or injury to any person on the walks.

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Participants need to check their capabilities before deciding what walks to participate in. Walkers should wear: adequate clothing for the walk they are participating in...

e.g. fleece jacket, raingear, hat and gloves, no denim and bring drinks/water and a camera to capture the moments!

Our walk leaders are very experienced but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the walk you have chosen. Underlying health issues should be communicated to the walk leaders prior to taking part. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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The organising committee and Walk Leaders reserve the right to change or cancel any of the walks without prior notice. Walk leaders must be obeyed at all times.

xPlease note pets cannot be allowed on our organised walks.

HERITAGE / GOLDEN WAYCavan Heritage Office offers walkers the opportunity to experience and explore the wonderful built, natural and cultural heritage of our Golden Ways. Why not join us on Hollow Lane, an old mass path to discover more about nature and the local landscape in the company of Heather Bothwell, ecologist and wildlife enthusiast and Aidan Brady, Cavan Bee Keepers.

Desmond Gough, Resident of Jampa Ling Buddhist Retreat Centre will lead some mindulfness practice followed by a walk and singing with Sarah Garden - a walk to stimulate body and mind.

The Baherna/Reyfiled loop walk encompassing the ‘Old boat road golden way’ in Munterconnaught is a new Golden way resplendent with natural and built heritage along the route followed by wonderful and inspiring words. Finish off your week of walking with a bat walk along Brankill Golden Way, learning about conservation

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Whether you prefer a gentle walk and talk, or more challenging hikes across mountainous Cavan countryside, there is something for all ages and all abilities.

Join a welcoming group to stretch your legs, explore our county and hear the fascinating stories behind these places from an enthusiastic, trained local guide.

Cavan Walking Festival is a truly unique, friendly and enjoyable walking festival.

So lace-up and we’ll see you there!

“BEST DAY OUT THIS YEAR”

PARTNERS & FRIENDSBailieborough Walking GroupCavan Strollers Happy Feet Walkers, CootehillHollow Lane Golden Way GroupKnockatallon RamblersLocal Community Development As-sociationsLocal Geopark GuidesMunterconnaught Heritage SocietyVirginia RamblersOlde Post Inn

All events are sponsored by Cavan Heritage Office and The Heritage Council.

“BEST DAY OUT THIS YEAR”

“JOIN A WELCOMING GROUP”

Cavan is the beautiful land of lakes in the middle of our island, but there’s so much more to find here. This is a place away from it all - but not that far away. Cavan is a walker’s paradise. Here we have a great range of trails for all tastes to pace through. Try gently rolling drumlins one day and upland blanket bogs the next. Enjoy the tranquility

of forest walks in Kingscourt, Virginia and Balieborough. Follow our new Golden Ways or walk the Cavan Way from Dowra to Blacklion past the Shannon Pot–the source of the Shannon – a place of rich folklore. Visit the Marble Arch Caves Geopark – a UNESCO protected site and a special place spanning the uplands of Cavan and Fermanagh.

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“READY FOR WALKING”

Cavan County Council hopes to include Cuilcagh Mountain in future Cavan Walking Festival itineraries.

For further information see:

www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com

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Glangevlin

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Lough an Leagh 10k Organiser: Bailieborough Walking Group Meet: 7pm Picnic Area Lough an Leagh GPS: 53.912782-6.900322

FRIDAY 11TH MAY Moneygashel - A Walk through time 4k Organiser: Geopark Walk Meet: 7pm Gowlan Church, Blacklion GPS: 54.250499-7.899621

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‘An exciting and friendly walking festival. Introducing new walks while retaining many old favourites. Choose from four trail types with guidance on suitability, fitness tips, clothing and themes’

WALK A LITTLE LONGER 10-13KMExplore the trails of our four ‘corners’ of Cavan and experience breathtaking landscape from every angle. These walks range from 10-13km and are suitable for more advanced/ experienced walkers.

WALK CAVAN 5KMWalk the same distance, at the same time in a different location each day during the festival. These 5k trails of gentle slopes and shallow steps are suitable for moderate walkers, families and the elderly. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn.

CAVAN HERITAGE OFFICE GOLDEN WAYS 3-6KMThe Heritage Office offers walkers the opportunity to experience and explore the wonderful built, natural and cultural heritage of our Golden Ways throughout the county .

Multi Access

Off Road buggyNo strollers

Heritage Fast Paced

For nature lovers

Family Friendly

Cost Outdoor footwear & clothing

Geopark

8 DAYS OF ACTIVE WALKING 4-11 MAY 2018

FRIDAY 4TH MAY

Cavan Burren Park A Prehistoric Park 6k Organiser: Cavan Geopark Meet: 7pm Interpretative Centre GPS: 54.25–7.81

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THURSDAY 10TH MAY

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Cavan Way - Dowra to Shannon Pot 13k Organiser: Cavan Geopark Meet: 11am The Market House, Blacklion GPS: 54.29-7.87 Pre- registration essential

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SATURDAY 5TH MAY

Bailieborough Forest Walk 5k Organiser: Bailieborough Walking Group Meet: 11am Bailieborough Business Centre GPS: 53.912782-6.900322

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Forest Trek 5k Organiser: Happy Feet Walkers Meet: 7pm St Michaels Hall, Cootehill GPS: 54.074961-7.082948

TUESDAY 8TH MAY

Dun-A-Rí 5k Organiser Bailieborough Walking Group Meet: 7pm Cabra Central School GPS: 53.920529-6.811654

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Forest Trek 10k Organiser: Happy Feet Walkers Meet: 7pm St Michael’s Hall, Cootehill GPS: 54.074961-7.082948

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WEDNESDAY 9TH MAY

Jampa Ling Golden Way 5k Organiser: Jampa Ling/Heritage Office MEET: 7pm Jampaling, Bawnboy GPS: 54.107381-7.703146

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Baherna/Reyfiled Loop Walk 5k Organiser: Munterconnaught Heritage Office Meet: 7pm Munterconnaght GAA Clubrooms GPS: 53.803575-7.088359

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Garvagh Lough Loop 6k Organiser: Geopark Walk Meet: 7pm Gowlan Church, Blacklion GPS: 54.250499-7.899621

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Hollow Lane Golden Way Crossreagh 3k Organiser: Hollow Lane Action Group/ Heritage office. Meet: 7pm Cross Church GPS: 53.854536-7.013947

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Cavan Way - Shannon Pot to Blacklion 13k Organiser: Cavan Geopark Meet: 11am Market House, Blacklion GPS: 54.29-7.87 Pre- registration essential

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SUNDAY 6TH MAYDIFFICULT

Deerpark Forest Heritage Walk 5k Organiser: Virginia Ramblers Meet: 7pm Virginia Show Centre GPS: 53.837626-7.102191

Ballyconnell Woodford River Walk 6k Organiser: Cavan Geopark Meet: 3pm Playground Ballyconnell GPS: 53.837626-7.102191

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MONDAY 7TH MAY

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x Please note pets cannot be allowed on our organised walks.

Off Road Buggies only, no strollers allowed

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EASY Hollow Lane Family Fun Walk 6k Organiser: Hollow Lane Action Group/ Heritage office Meet: 2pm Cross Hall GPS: 53.854536-7.013947

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Cloverhill/Keeney Walk 5k Organiser: Cavan Strollers Meet: 7pm Olde Post Inn GPS: 54.070896-7.370691

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Brankill Golden Way Bat Walk Arva 6k Organiser: Brankill Way/Heritage Office Meet: 8.30pm Tycusker Veterinary Clinic, Arva GPS: 53.924604-7.583729

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WALK GEOPARK 4-13KMLocated in the West of the County, the trails take in the sights and sounds of the Geopark.

The Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses an area over 2,333km2 in size stretching from the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh to Green Lough on the outskirts of Cavan town. Designated the first crossborder UNESCO Geopark in the world it boasts

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a plethora of geological heritage spanning over 895 million years ago. The Geopark contains internationally important rocks and landscapes at sites such as Cavan Burren Park, the Marble Arch Caves, Lough Navar Forest and Shannon Pot. The Geopark also contains a wealth of historical, archaeological and culturally rich sites with amazing walking routes and interpretation.

For 2018 we will embrace the beauty and diversity of the Geopark with walks such as a tour of the natural and built heritage of Moneygashel and the 13km treks along sections of the 26km Cavan Way taking in sites such as Cavan Burren Park and the Shannon Pot. Will you complete all 26km?

'Pre-Registration is only necessary for the Cavan Way walks! On all other walks please arrive 15mins early for registration'To register go to;

We recommend walking boots for The Cavan Way.

www.cavansportspartnership.ie

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Cavan Town Walk 5k Organiser Cavan Strollers Meet: 7pm Orchard Car Park GPS: 54.0016-7.3539

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