Access to the cache can be gained from the main Enniskillen to
Swanlinbar road. Turn off at the sign for Gortalughany Scenic Drive
and follow the road past the viewpoint to the gate access on the
right. Park tidily in this area and follow the track through the
gate for approximately 0.7 miles.
The cache, a small ammo box, is placed at Legacurragh, a dry
valley of uncertain origin, in Gortalughany townland. It has been
said that it was formed when the roofs of large caves collapsed
leaving an open valley. This seems unlikely because there are no
large limestone rocks which could be attributed to such collapses.
It seems more likely that it was caused by permafrost action in the
ice age when the rocks were worn away leaving a valley with no
river.
Whatever the origin, it has resulted in an unusual feature set
in a spectacularly barren landscape of peat bog. Note the
fossilised coral on the rocks dating from the time 300 million
years ago when Ireland was at the bottom of a shallow tropical
ocean. Nearby are several large swallow holes clearly marked on the
map, with names such as Badger Hole, Pigeon Pots and Sheep Pot.
These potholes are very deep and dangerous to enter.
From the cache site, on a clear day, the summit cairn of
Cuilcagh mountain can be seen 2.75 miles away as the crow flies. It
can be reached by following the Hiker’s Trail, part of the Ulster
Way, which is marked by the yellow waypoint posts clearly visible
from Legacurragh. If you wish to attempt the
Cuilcagh Mountain Cache by this route be aware that it is an
arduous 2 -3 hour walk across wet blanket peat bog. Proper
equipment and clothing should be used and you must be prepared to
turn back if the weather deteriorates. Some of the marker posts can
be difficult to spot being either in dips and/or obscured by tall
vegetation.
Following the marker posts in the opposite direction to Cuilcagh
will bring you onto forestry trails at Florencecourt - about 1
hour's walk. On your way back along the road don’t forget to stop
at the viewpoint and admire the magnificent view over the Fermanagh
Lakeland.