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 TRACE Cavan Walking Festival supports Leave No Trace Principals of Outdoor Ethics. Please support our county by leaving nothing but footprints. THE CAVAN WAY The 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. DUBLIN DONEGAL AIRPORT DERRY DERRY STRABANE BELFAST OMAGH DONEGAL BUNDORAN ENNISKILLEN SLIGO MONAGHAN ARDEE SLANE DROGHEDA NAVAN MAYNOOTH MULLINGAR GALWAY SHANNON AIRPORT KNOCK CARRICK ON SHANNON LETTERKENNY LARNE BELFAST DUBLIN DUN LAOGHAIRE CAVAN thisiscavan.ie 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. CAVAN WALKING FESTIVAL CAVANSPORTSPARTNERSHIP.IE 4-11 MAY 2018 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. x Please note pets cannot be allowed on our organised walks. HERITAGE / GOLDEN WAY Cavan 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 4 – 11 MAY 2018 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 & FRIENDS Bailieborough Walking Group Cavan Strollers Happy Feet Walkers, Cootehill Hollow Lane Golden Way Group Knockatallon Ramblers Local Community Development As- sociations Local Geopark Guides Munterconnaught Heritage Society Virginia Ramblers Olde 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. PERFECT FOR WALKING “READY FOR WALKING” Cavan County Council hopes to include Cuilcagh Mountain in future Cavan Walking Festival itineraries. For further information see: www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com BACK COVER