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Recommended starting point: junction of GlenLicky pathway
with the Grallagh Road (S4 on map).
On an East/West axis this walk runs from Glen Lickey to
Ballycurrane School Cross.
In the topography of this catchment area of the Lickey,
the land slopes more gently towards the river, than the
steeper glens to the west and is therefore far more
exposed. The Sesile Oak/Hazel Woods disappear and
Willow, Alder and Ash survive, with occasional Rowan and
Holly. However the area has been afforested in recent
times and has dramatically changed the flora and ecology
of the area affording the much needed shade and shelter.
Take the Toor Road from Kielys Cross and commence the
walk from the top of the Right of Way bounding Glen
Lickey and Toor. This quite country lane gives a good
view of the river and Northern slopes and also of
forestry plantations of Sitka Spruce and Lodge Pole
Pine. Isolated Farm houses can be seen from this highway
as you proceed westward. As you descend towards Grallagh
Bridge, a grove of Larch (A Deciduous Confer) and a
grove of Lodge Pole Pine skirts the way.
Observe how the forestry used Lawson Cypress to protect
the Spruce trees from peripheral wind heave and at the
bridge a stately stand of Norway Spruce can be seen.
Proceeding Uphill towards St. Declans Way, this
sheltered Glen which is steep at this western point has
fine specimens of Oak, Ash, Beech and Birch. A fine
thatched house is on your left, just as you climb above
the tree line – open country side with Ash and White
Thorn growing on dirt fences with Meadowsweet, vetch
briar? and furze undergrowth.
Arable crops are grown in this area and this has an
accompanying change in Birdlife with Yellow Hammers,
Black Caps, and Buntings present???. Turn right on a
continuation of St. Declans Way up to Ballycurrance
Schoolhouse where you head due East.
A half mile distance from the School there is a small
Alder Grove with the G??? Rose (Viburnum Opulus)growing
underneath. This native shrub is rare in County
Waterford and has spectacular Red Autumn Foliage and
Fruit. Rambling along enjoy this rural area with
interesting buttressed walls. A feature of the hedgerow
in this area is Fuchsia, a successful introduction ti
Ireland 200 years ago and is a now naturalised,
especially in the South West.
Take the next major junction to the right and proceed
towards Toor South. The low fences in this area afford a
good view of the Lickey Valley.
Passing Sitka Forests, the Ling Heather and Irish Furze
undergrowth are evidence of the blanket peat that once
covered this area. Lookout for clumps of Willow Herb and
Japanese Vinograss.
Turn down the right of way as you approach Glen Lickey.
In the river is Watercress, Water Starworth and
Pondweed. As you wind your way to the finish, llkout for
Bilberry, Rowan and Holly Trees.
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