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13. FLORENCE COURT AND CUILCAGH MOUNTAIN
Distance 7 miles (11km)
16 miles (26km) including Cuilcagh
Minimum time 3 hours (7 hours)
OS ref 149341 sheet 26
Boots and warm clothing advised if you are tackling Cuilcagh summit. Start at gated forest track heading east. After crossing 2 streams, at a major junction go up grassy path between young trees towards grey rocks ahead. Beyond stile join gravelly UW path along to big beech trees at the wood's end .(Decision time: route to Cuilcagh summit (2,188 ft, 665 m) is waymarked (yellow painted posts). Our walk suggests an alternative initial approach for circularity. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates. Return same way past ancient burial cairns of Myalla, soon rejoining shorter walk.) Go L along leafy track. Look out for orchids, yellow flag iris, ferns. On down past tiny fields hedged with thorn and briar, reaching the gate on to Marble Arch Road. Recommended side visits: Marble Arch Caves and National Trust mansion of Florence Court.
14. LOUGH NAVAR FOREST
Distance 8 miles (13km)
Minimum time 3 hours
OS ref 062583 sheet 17
From carpark on A46 if s an abrupt 600ft (183 m) climb up the wooded scarp from the road to wonderful views of Atlantic, Donegal and the Sperrins. The official UW route heads west briefly, then waltzes off south, unmarked, through deep heather and grass for l/4 mile (0.4 km). See map for less boggy alternative. Follow the UW round the loughs. Look out for hen harrier and russet coloured Irish hares. A sharp descent brings you to natural hardwoods, birch and rowan, at the Sillees river bridge. Continue to the sweathouse. Return to bridge and turn R up scenic drive route to complete circuit.
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