The Bragan Walk

Overview:

The Bragan Walk is entirely on minor country roads where you can still get the sense of walking over remote upland bog while remaining on firm footing! This is a walk that is likely to appeal to the whole family and includes several quiet picnic areas. The starting point is a small parking bay, just over 4km from the main trailhead at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel, which is also the trailhead for the Rock and Esh walks. Turning left from here you will walk 0.7km before reaching the main loop that can be walked in either direction.

Alternatively you can park at a number of locations around the loop, such as the ‘Big Rock’ or at the picnic site close to the penal cross; you will soon come across a waymarking post bearing the green Hen Harrier disc regardless of where you park along the route or whatever direction you walk. The loop can be extended from 7km to just less than 11km by combining with the Rock Walk, the other on-road walk in this series. Please note that the two routes share a short stretch of this walk so don’t be confused by the site of two different coloured discs on one post.

A section of the walk is also shared with the long-distance Sliabh Beagh Way and Ulster Way routes – a testament to the popularity of this area for walkers.
A noteworthy landmark that is signposted off this route is the Penal Cross.  It was here, according to local tradition, that Fr McKenna shot around 1754.  It is worth deviating off the road for 100 metres or so to visit the spot and take time to absorb the panoramic views of the drumlin landscape of the midlands that can be seen on a clear day. From a number of locations along the route you will see evidence of turf cutting. Don’t forget to look towards the skies too as you might be treated to a sight of the hen harrier putting in a special guest appearance, hovering highwith its wing tips outstretched.

Points of interest:

Penal Cross, Turf Cutting, Commanding views of Bogland and Forest Plantations

Distance: 7km

Grade:

Route type: Minor Road