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Recommended starting point: on the N25 at the entrance to
Garrynagree Forest (S6 on map).
This is one of the longer walks which circumnavigates
around the Lickey River. We are now in the upper reaches
where the catchment area slopes more gently to the
river, than the more dramatic glens on the walks further
down. This walk has its own topographical and ecological
importance. The walk brings you along country lanes,
bounded by upland meadows where sheep and cattle graze
leisurely protected by groves of forestry. Then your
trail brings you through the Garrynagree Forest where
you can watch the very rare Hen Harrier glide and swoop.
Start your walk on the N25 at the entrance to
Garrynagree Forest. Travel westwards along the main road
which has been landscaped with native species of Alder,
Scots Pine, Ash and Hazel. Turn right on Renagullee by
road where you will encounter forestry groves mostly of
Spruce and Larch and sometimes protected by a peripheral
planting of Lawson Cypress.
You will pass by the upland meadows as described above.
In August/September look out for the tufts of Mont
Bretia introduced to the Hedge Row. You will past
through Carrigeen and into Moyng where the Road dips to
a tributary stream. Here you will encounter Sally and
Sycamore, rising up the hill to the Glen LIckey
Junction, a Birch and Beech Plantation comes into view.
In late summer the scented White Meadow Sweet and the
Pink Posebay Willow Herb brightens up the Briar, Gorse,
Grass, Bracken under growth. In May/June, this area
comes alive with a wonderful display of red ragged robin
by the roadside.
Turn right down to Lickey Bridge, this road has a common
boundary with Walk 5. Take the first turn to the right
after crossing the river. This road rises steeply
skirting Reamanagh East to meet the Goish-Pulla Road at
the top. This road which is relatively level was a
service road used by the Agents of the Villiers-STuard
Landlords to access their many tenants on land which
they owned, unbroken from Dromana to Helvick. This
rising road has all sorts of interesting Flora evident
in season, such as the cuckoo Plover, Ragged Robin,
Kinapweed. Towards the top Ling Heather and Bilberry
will be found.
At Reanaviddoge Cross, turn right and watch for the DG55
sign where you turn into the Garrynagree Forest Trail.
This forest walk is enchanting and the dominance of the
Sitka Spruce is eased by the introduction of hardwood
species of Beech and Birch. A new plantation on your
left is interesting where an experimental crop of
Western Cedar (Thuja Plicata) was planted recently, the
birdlife here is exciting as stated above.
Tufts of male fern protruding from the bank
can be seen from the bridge. Larch and Alder are a
feature as you make your way out to the main road. On
the side of the trail a few varities of St. Johns Wort (Hypericum
Species) can be found.
Again a feature of this walk is the dramatic change in
ecology in this area brought about by the introduction
of forestry in the past 50 years.
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