EASY GUIDED WALKS OF THE "RING OF GULLION WAY" IN SOUTH ARMAGH

The Ring of Gullion Way follows a waymarked route in and around the spectacular volcanic landscape of South Armagh and the designated Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This 57.5 km route can be enjoyed in sections and offers the walker a chance to explore this exceptional countryside.  With stunning views throughout, it traverses typical mountain habitats of dry gorse heathlands, blanket bogs and forests.  Along its course, ancient monuments and quiet villages can be discovered.

Our Local Guides can take your group on one or all of the following routes:-

1.  The Poets' Trail (The Creggan Loop) - Distance 8 miles (13 km) - Duration 3.5 hrs 
Rating Easy

This walk takes you along country roads with a chance to take in the burial place of many of the 18th century Gaelic poets of the area.  On route you will pass interesting places such as Glassdrummond lake, Roche Castle and Ballsmill Village.

2.  The Poets' Trail (The Forkhill Loop) - Distance 6 miles (9.6 km) - Duration 3 hrs 
Rating Easy

This walk weaves its way along the old funeral path to Urney Graveyard and continues along roads which provide magnificent views of Slieve Gullion mountain.

3.  The Poets' Trail (The Ballykeel Loop) - Distance 8 miles (13 km) - Duration 3.5 hrs 
Rating Mainly minor country roads with moderately steep hills - a small section covers a muddy disused lane

Following country roads the walk takes you through part of the Old Road structure dating back 500 years and over the Ballinaseck Bridge through some amazing countryside.

4.  Slieve Gullion Walk - Distance 8 miles (13 km) - Duration 3.5 - 4 hrs 
Terrain Minor roads, rugged moorland and forest tracks

From Slieve Gullion Forest Park the walk will pass Clonlum Cairn and Killeavy Castle and on to the rugged slopes of Slieve Gullion and St Beline's Well.  As we climb views open up across a wide area of tiny fields surrounded by rugged hills.  A grassy uphill track will expire in deep heather on a steep slope and we will pick our way uphill to the North Cairn passing the legendary pool called the Calliagh Berra Lough.

To experience the culture and traditions of the area we recommend that you stay a few days in the Cross Hotel, Crossmaglen ( http://www.crosssquarehotel.com).  This is a new family run hotel and comes highly recommended for its hospitality and home cooked traditional food.  With Crossmaglen as your base you are in the heart of a countryside rich in geology, archaeology, wildlife and folklore.

Transport to and from the routes is available from Cross Hotel and their kitchen can provide the group with a packed lunch for the walks.  The hotel also provides excellent facilities such as wash rooms and tumble dryers suitable for wet muddy clothes.

For further information and details on above walks contact Barbara at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it