The Gleniff Horseshoe – Benwiskin Trail

Walk Category: Rural Roads Walk
Walk Grade: Moderate
Walking Terrain: Country Roads,
Forest Trail
Waymarking: None
Trailhead: Benwiskin Centre, roadside parking, information signage
Dogs: Allowed on lead

Length: 13.5km
Ascent: 40m
Time: 2.5hrs
Suggested Gear: Sturdy walking shoes, fluids, snacks and mobile phone
Longitude: 54.41330
Latitude: -8.39064

The Trail Map:- OSI Map Series 16

The Gleniff horseshoe is a nice 10km loop along quiet roads with spectacular views and dramatic and wild Dartry Mountains. The walk also provides dramatic views of the Donegal Bay and the Ulster County beyond.

The Route

Begin at the Benwiskin Centre, turn left and continue for about 1.5km to junction. Veer left at yield sign southwards towards mountain for 1km to next junction. Continue straight following sign for Gleniff Horseshoe Valley.The 19th century Bartyes Mill Site is located on the left as you walk into the horseshoe. A lovely woodland walk has been developed at the Mill Site which takes you along under native Irish trees, babbling mountain streams and pretty waterfalls. It is a lovely spot to stop for a picnic.

Continuing along the road, the gradient begins to rise steeply, eventually veering right to offer the walker jaw dropping and almost vertical views of the Dartry Mountains. You actually pass multiple mountains – Truskmore (631m), Tievebaun (611m) and Benwiskin (514m). At the centre of these are the Cliffs of Annacoona, which can be viewed from right beneath the face of the mountain. Nearby is the legendary Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Cave, which you can view from the roadside beside the ruins of an old schoolhouse. Note that this cave is the highest of its kind in Ireland, but is also located on private property and on very challenging terrain. We do not recommend that anyone climbs to the cave! The road continues downhill until you meet the lower road where you make your way with care back to the trailhead.

Please note that access to Diarmuid and Gráinne’s cave crosses private land and is dangerous even for experienced hikers. The climb is steep and the terrain can become slippery, and the descent is particularly challenging. We have received reports of people getting injured here or having to be helped by the Sligo-Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team. We do not recommend this climb.

The Legend of Diarmuid & Gráinne

Irish mythology tells us the Diarmuid eloped with Gráinne, who was bethrothed to Fionn, the leader of the Fianna. He swore to track the lovers down, and as they crossed Benbulben, they hid in a cave located high up in the Dartry Mountains, which now bears their names. Having fled from here, Diarmuid was gored by a wild boar. Fionn alone had the powers to cure him, but he allowed water to slip from his hands instead of enabling Diarmuid to drink, and he died beneath the mountain.

Nearby walks you might like

Bunduff River Walk

A peaceful 2.4km riverside trail along
the Bunduff River.

Mullaghmore Head

A popular beach with excellent views of Slieve League, Benbulben and Benwiskin.

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12 responses to “The Gleniff Horseshoe – Benwiskin Trail”

  1. Ewa

    Any one knows why dogs are not allowed? Does it applies to the entire trail? Dogs at all or on the lead is ok?

    1. Paul Reidy

      Hi Ewa, thanks for getting in touch, you can refer to Micheál Ó Domhnaill’s article from March 22nd for an explanation

  2. Frank McGovern

    Some might have difficulty finding the start of the Horseshoe loop. Use this eircode for the starting point F91T224. Great walk which isn’t too strenuous. Stunning views looking across Donegal Bay, Mullaghmore, Slieve League, Classiebawn and more. There’seven a little coffee cart at the start/end of the walk.

    1. Rosemarie Sharkey

      Hi. How long is the walk? Thanks

      1. Micheal O Domhnaill

        It is approx. 10km in total.

  3. Grainne Mckeon

    Great walk with spectacular views. Park at the Gleniff Barytes Mill Site and follow the road around in a loop. Took us just under 2 hours to complete. Highly recommend, might take the bikes next time.

  4. John McShera

    The walk and scenery is fantastic. Directions to the horsehoe though is poor with one sign on the main road and another one which is difficult to see on the road itself so it is difficult to find the starting position. The site itself we noticed contains absolutely no welcome signs but instead a litany of- Dont do this and that, keep out and no trespassing etc—very negative and off putting. Also some of the land has been planted which destroys part of the view and should never have been allowed. Sligo is a very beautiful county but doesn’t do itself any favours with very poor marketing of its assets in comparison to Galway and Mayo.

    1. Fred Quimby

      Those are the paw prints of the local “angry landowner”, Mr.McSherry, who owns a lot of the best access to the hilltops esp. Ben Whiskin (sadly). He is not to be messed with – DO NOT ruin your day out…20 years sice we fell foul of him, 3 days after sneaking past his little house up onto the ridge to Ben Bulben and onwards. We got cocky though and tried another “banned” route 3 days later and this guy means business (at least he did then)…

  5. EDDIE LEE

    One of the most breathtaking places in Ireland I would say!

  6. Nicola

    This is a really nice walk. It is pretty flat and easy to do. There is no way marking but it is okay as it’s faily straightforward. The landscape is really picturesque. Would definitely do it again.

  7. Angela Tuite

    A magical hidden gem. Loved this walk.

    1. John

      Discovered some brilliant rock core samples left at site. Fossils millions of years old. Puts recent history into perspective.

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