Sliabh Beagh Way
The Sliabh Beagh Way passes through some of the most remote parts of the Ulster countryside as it follows a meandering 40-mile course across the backbone of the Sliabh Beagh hills. Along the way it offers walkers plenty of historical richness, potential wildlife sightings and far-reaching views from the higher ground.
| County | Distance | OS Map | Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrone | 40 miles (65 km) | Sheets 18, 19 & 27 | Minor Roads, Track and Moorland. |
| Start Town / Village | Finish Town / Village | Grid References | Points of Interest |
| Aughnacloy | Lisnaskea | Starts at H666520 Ends at H363339 | Aughnacloy, St Patrick’s Chair & Well, Knockatallon, Carnmore Viewpoint, Lisnaskea |
Route Description
The walk begins by traversing a pastoral landscape before plunging into Favour Royal Forest and Altadaven Wood. The latter is the site of St Patrick's Chair. Tradition has it that Ireland's patron Saint said mass in this chair and blessed the nearby well, imbuing its water with great healing powers. However, it’s likely the site's importance pre-dated St Patrick. The name 'Altadaven' translates as 'Glen of the Devil or Druid' and archaeological evidence indicates the chair and well may have been used for pre-Christian rituals. The woods are also a stronghold of the native red squirrel and the sheltered valley boasts an abundance of wildflowers and ferns. Most notable among the species of fern is the rare Wilson's filmy fern, which is often mistaken for a moss due to its flattened leaves.
The middle section of the route crosses Sliabh Beagh Mountain and features wild heathland interspersed with sections of forestry. A section of the blanket bog around Sliabh Beagh has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its peatland and upland habitats. It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) for breeding hen harriers – a species of high conservation importance and a Ramsar site. Heather provides food and shelter for red grouse and Irish hare and buzzards are not uncommon. The nests of local meadow pipits are often raided by the cuckoo, which lays its eggs there and leaves the nest owner to raise its young. As well as the ubiquitous heather the bog also supports plants such as bilberry, bog asphodel and bog cotton to name but a few.
The many loughs in the area are renowned for their wild brown trout and other fish species such as pike, bream, rudd and perch. Walkers can find newts, frogs, dragonflies and murragh flies as well as a host of plant life including willow, horsetails and common reeds that act as a natural filter to purify the water in and around the many loughs.
In its final section the route descends from the high ground past Kilmacbrack Lough. During the winter this lake is home to whooper swans that migrate here to escape the harsh winter in Iceland. Finally farmland takes over again as you make your way to the end of the walk at Lisnaskea.
