Goles Forest
Goles Forest is a 420 hectare forest that lies to the west of Draperstown, which is located at the scenic Glenelly Road between Plumbridge and Draperstown. Sheep can be walking on the road so keep an eye out for them. The forest area has various conifer species but is mainly sitka spruce due to the peaty upland soils.
The Glenelly River meanders through the lower section of the forest. The walk though Goles Forest is a circular walk which is about 3 miles and will take you probably about 2 to 3 hours when you do the complete series (excl Carnanelly). At the entrance of the forest is parking available for several cars.
To get to GZ you have to take a small detour from the circular walk (+/-1,5 mile extra). One option is to go up the trail at the yellow trail marker (T1) till you end up to the top of the forest. This trail hasn't been maintained and is very boggy and has a lot of fallen trees. Be careful on you way up! You will notice why I made the terrain 3,5! When you arrive at the fence (T2) follow this up to GZ. There is no trail down the other side of the forest and no permission asked from the landowners of the surrounding lands, so come back the way you got up. Make sure you have waterproof footwear and ideally gaiters. It can be quite windy at the top so make sure you're well prepared.
The Cache
The cache is a camouflaged small container with some room for small TBs. It is located close to the summit of Carnanelly (562m), which is the 345th tallest mountain in Ireland. From here you got great views of the Southern part of the Sperrins.
A list of all the caches in the Series
Goles Forest #1: No Truffles Here
Goles Forest #2: Fresh Air
Goles Forest #3: Stream
Goles Forest #4: Sperrins View
Goles Forest #5: Tunnel Vision
Goles Forest #6: The Trees Have Eyes
Goles Forest #7: Forest No More
Goles Forest #8: The Trees Bark!
Goles Forest #9: Carnanelly
Goles Forest #10: The Pool
Goles Forest #A: Sheep
Goles Forest #B: Pictures