Cavan Way
While the topography of most of County Cavan in the northern midlands of Ireland is a post-glacial one of drumlins and lakes, the western part of the county terminates in the wall of the Cuilcagh Mountains, the lower western flanks of which spawn the longest river in these islands, the Shannon. The Cavan Way is a 26 km gentle linear walking route that progresses from the village of Dowra northwards by country paths and quiet roads to reach the magical Shannon Pot, where the great river rises. The route then ascends from the Shannon source into the limestone karst landscape of the northern Cuilcaghs before descending to the village of Blacklion. The terrain consists of mainly quiet roads, paths beside the infant Shannon and open moorland. The road sections at the beginning and near the Shannon Pot can be very busy, and the Shannon and uplands sections can be very wet and mucky. The views from the heights out over Lough Macnean to the north and the Cuilcagh to the south are wonderful. The total aggregate ascent on the route is 330 metres, including two short, steep ascents. There are options for overnight accommodation at both ends of the route, but public transport possibilities are only fair.
Maps and other information
External Links
Trail Management
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, MacNean Resource Centre, Blacklion, County Cavan, F91 NWV7
Tel: 071 9853692
Email: info@cuilcaghlakelands.org
Facilities
Car parking
At Start - on street in Dowra or in car park at Mart
At End - on street in Blacklion
pubs, accommodation nearby
14 kms or 61% of the Way follows local roads.
***Dogs not permitted on the Cavan Way***
Map Guides
The Cavan Way - West Cavan Community Council
OSI Maps
Public Transportation
At Start: None At End: Express buses Check with Bus Eireann.
Jason from Cavan
Philip from Dublin
I ran most of this trail from Dawra this morning. The weather was grey and overcast with occasional light rain but pleasant temperatures around 12 - 16 C. Today was a Mart (market), day in Dawra and look out for this. Many cars and trucks park after 9am and you could easily get boxed in.
1st road section 1.5km is on a busy main road so watch out and walk toward oncoming traffic (on the left). Once you turn off nice country lanes and beautiful senary.
The section from 'Cashelban' is very wet and muddy trail. If hiking definitely wear waterproof hiking boots and poles are a MUST (hiking or running).
After the section (4 Km) there is back road until you turn off the R206 and go cross country passing the Shannon Pot. The surface is not so bad but steep section after crossing a wooden bridge and over a hill rejoining the road heading towards Cor Na Gaoithe. I continued on to have a look at the 'Cavan Burren Park' but did not actually see the trail markers for 'Tawnymakelly' which looks to be a really interesting section.
All in all really enjoyed the day. Hard going in some places with the ground, and certainly very tired and sore legs after running back to Dawra.
Hugh from Fermanagh
Ivor from Down
Highlights for me included the sound of cuckoos, the flower-rich grassland, walking beside the Shannon, and the views of Lough Macnean Upper and Lower. I’d rate this as one of the finest walks I’ve ever done.
Liz from Leitrim