Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) up Cuilcagh: route map, distance and time
666 m · Leitrim and W Cavan · OS grid H123280
Cuilcagh is the 666 m high point of Fermanagh and Cavan, reached by the Legnabrocky Trail boardwalk across blanket bog from Marble Arch Caves.
A gravel track and boardwalk cross the blanket bog, then a steep staircase climbs the escarpment. The final stretch to the summit is open bog.
Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) at a glance
| Distance | 7.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 507 m |
| Time up | 2h 25m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 4h 0m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail car park, near Marble Arch Caves |
| Summit grid reference | H123280 |
Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 3h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 25m | 4h 0m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 0m | 4h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 08:05, sunset 18:27. Start by 13:27 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 0m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:07, sunset 18:25. Start by 13:25 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 0m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Cuilcagh summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Mainly clear, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 20 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 08:05, sunset 18:27.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 33 mph gusting 42 mph, 6% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:07, sunset 18:25.
Best day of the next seven for Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk): Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 20 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Cuilcagh forecast
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -2°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Cuilcagh
Cuilcagh is the 666 m high point of Fermanagh and Cavan, reached by the Legnabrocky Trail boardwalk across blanket bog from Marble Arch Caves. More about Cuilcagh, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam, historic county top, county top.
Challenges that include Cuilcagh
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location, what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk): questions and answers
How far is Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk)?
Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) is 7.8 km one way to the summit of Cuilcagh, with 507 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 15.6 km.
How long does Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) take?
About 2h 25m to the summit of Cuilcagh and 4h 0m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk)?
Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) starts from Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail car park, near Marble Arch Caves.
Is Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) today?
By 13:27 at the latest. Sunset on Cuilcagh today is 18:27, Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) takes about 4h 0m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Legnabrocky Trail (Cuilcagh Boardwalk)?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).