Hurrah! We have reached the top of the trail and are at the metallic bridge between counties Tipperary and Limerick. There is also a natural bridge formed by a huge fallen cedar which came down in February 2014 during Storm Desmond. Lots of trees were blown down at this time, and for a while the metal bridge itself was damaged and closed for use. If you peer under the cedar's branches, you can see a pretty waterfall upstream. Also note the narrow rock channel through which the river has cut. The vertical sides of the rock channel walls are always wet and provide an ideal environment for mosses, liverworts and ferns. The cache is a small-sized camo-box containing a logbook and pencil and some swag to swap. Please replace carefully as the muggle traffic here can be quite high. On the upstream side are also round, cylindrical depressions in the rock called potholes or giant's kettles. These depressions are formed when stones, carried by the river current gouge a groove in the relatively soft sandstone. Once the groove is deep enough, the stones are spun around inside the depression by strong currents and slowly drill downwards, forming the pot or kettle.
I have added seven new traditional caches to the Clare Glens trails. They consist of micro and small containers and serve to highlight the beauty and fascinating geology of this nature attraction. There are four on the Tipperary side and three on the Limerick side. On the Tipp side are Gorgeous Gorge, Green Tunnel, Hazel Green and Evergreen Scene. On the Limerick bank are Metal Bridge, Poke in the Eye, and Large Donkey.
Warnings!
The glen's slopes are often steep or in places are sheer. Mind the little ones and make sure they stick to the path! The trails that run next to the river are often slippery. Make sure you wear wellies or waterproof footwear, especially on the Tipperary side. The river level can change markedly and can rise dramatically when the river is in flood. Use common sense! If the water is too high, leave it and come back another time. The glens are a lovely place to walk your dog but do please keep it on a leash. Finally, please take your rubbish away with you, especially plastic bottles! They are the bane of my existence and it drives me nuts when I see them just thrown around the glens! Grr!