The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail also nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven Walk is located in Co. Fermanagh. The route meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase. A steep climb is required to reach the viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain which provides breath taking views of the surrounding low lands.
A
Fermanagh walk
posted on 07/02/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 20/02/23
Description
Start : Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, 43 Marlbank Road Legnabrocky Florencecourt County Fermanagh Northern, Enniskillen. (BT92 1ER)
(S/E) From the Cuilcagh Mountain Park car park, follow the Cuilcagh Boardwalk trail South through a fascinating limestone landscape, often referred to as “The Fertile Rock” due to its flower rich pastures.
Visible along the trail you will see abandoned Irish cottages, dry stone walls and potato cultivation ridges (“lazy beds”) all remnants of Ireland’s past heritage.
(1) Continue along the gravel vehicle track the landscape starts to change to blanket bog where the unmistakable, flat-topped ridge of Cuilcagh Mountain is visible in the horizon.
In the spring, an abundance of bog cotton carpets the bog in a blanket of white, while in late summer the purple moor grass glistens with shades of red and purple.
After 4 Km, start your ascent of Cuilcagh Mountain. The way is negotiated by a section of boardwalk, providing protection to the sensitive blanket bog beneath. (A)
Your final ascent is via a steep section of steps, nicknamed the ‘Stairway to Heaven’- these are not for the faint of heart!
(2) As you steadily climb you meander and weave your way through a rugged boulder landscape to eventually reach the viewing platform.
(3) The viewing platform positioned precariously at the edge of the mountain plateau offers breath-taking views over the surrounding landscape and an opportunity to take a well-deserved rest before starting your decent and reaching the starting point. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 185 m - Parking
- 1 : km 1.13 - alt. 214 m - Blanket Bog
- 2 : km 5.45 - alt. 589 m - Stairway to Heaven
- 3 : km 6.64 - alt. 659 m - Cuilcagh viewing platform
- S/E : km 13.29 - alt. 185 m - Parking
Useful Information
Start : Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, 43 Marlbank Road Legnabrocky Florencecourt County Fermanagh Northern, Enniskillen. (BT92 1ER)
Parking : Cuilcagh Mountain Park car park (BT92 1EW). Book your spot in advance on their website.
Terrain : Gravel track, boardwalk, Bogland
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Facilities are available at the nearby Florencecourt and Marble Arch Caves (seasonal opening hours between March and October. You can also find toilet facilities at Killykeegan Nature Reserve.
Note : Events or Groups Walking the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. Call +44(0) 28 66321815
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
The habitat on Cuilcagh Mountain is very sensitive to the footfall of walkers and the boardwalk was constructed to prevent walkers from damaging the protected blanket bog. It is important to stay to the designated path in order to protect this beautiful habitat for future generations.
(A) If you’re fortunate you may catch a glimpse of a red grouse. The bird’s most obvious features are its plump shape, white eyelids with bright pinkish-red combs above, and feathered legs and feet. They stay on the heath all year round eating the short, succulent shoots of heather.
