Belmore Forest: Pollnagollum Cave Walk
Pollnagolllum Cave Walk: Belmore Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.
This walk is located in the Boho-Belmore Mountain area, right in the heart of Fermanagh’s cave country. Beneath your feet lies an extensive maze of caves which attract cavers and potholers from far and wide to west Fermanagh. One of the most intriguing mammals found in the Belmore uplands is the Irish hare. Larger than rabbits, adult hares have black tips on their ears and their long back legs giving them a distinctive walk or ‘lope’. Depending on the time of day and year keep a watchful eye out for bats and birds around the cave entrance
County Fermanagh
Distance 3.7 miles
OS Map Sheet 17
Terrain All types of terrain
Nearest Town Enniskillen
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H122436
Route Type Forest, Woodland
From the car park, follow the black route along the forest tracks, as indicated by the way marked posts. The geology of the area is dominated by limestone, which can clearly be seen in the disused quarry just off the forest track. Leading from the track is a short gravel path which will take you to a viewing platform for Pollnagollum Cave. Returning to the forest track you will start to climb gradually, with Lower Lough MacNean, Ross Lough and Cuilcagh Mountain coming into view at different points on the walk. You might also chance upon some of our native wildlife such as Irish hare, common buzzard or maybe a jay.
Please note: This Forest is managed sustainably by NI Forest Service. Please avoid entering the quarry as the rock face may be unstable. Caves can be dangerous and should only be entered by properly equipped cavers, so please keep out. This walk is situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversions and closure from time to time.
The most extraordinary feature on this route through Belmore Forest is Pollnagollum Cave, Irish for “Hole of the doves”. The cave is fed by a waterfall toppling down from the top of a limestone cliff and is swollen to a torrent during harsh weather.
From Enniskillen, follow the A46 Shore road to Belleek. Take the left fork onto the B81 Derrygonnelly road and take the first road signed for Boho on the left. Continue along this road for approximately 4 miles, passing Boho Community Centre on the way before turning left at the sign for Belmore Forest. Continue up the forestry road, arriving at a small car park situated on your right.
From Belcoo, head towards Enniskillen and turn left onto the road signposted for Boho. Continue until reaching a T-Junction and turn right. Then approximately 200m along this road turn left following the signs for Boho. Continue along this road for approximately 5km and turn right, there is a wooden sign for Belmore Forerst and continue up this lane until you arrive at a parking bay with Interpretation panel. There is a wooden sign on the road, indicating where to turn off for the walk.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Information panel and car parking available, nearest amenities Boho.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Belmore Forest: Pollnagollum Cave Walk