Cuilcagh Mountain Park

We’re all getting fed up of H&S precautions during Covid; fear not, the folks at this destination have done everything they can to bring back the excitement and sense of danger that can only come from leaving it to luck as to whether you catch a life changing illness

Right from arrival they’ve thought of everything. You join a queue of traffic until it’s your turn for an unmasked elderly gentleman to lean right into your car and remind you of the cost of parking, in case you missed the large sign. In a rare concession to safety, the higher risk younger parking attendants have been asked to lean on a parked car away from visitors.

Bucking the trend of other attractions to avoid handling cash, the boys at Culcaigh insist on it. This was a highlight - another old chap, unmasked obviously, leans into your car again and very slowly counts your change, coin by coin.

And on to the walk..
Out in the fresh air, on a windy mountain, you might be wondering how they have managed to promote airborn transmission of Covid. Well, don’t worry. All visitors are asked on arrival to pretend the virus doesn’t exist. Social distancing is frowned upon. Walking along the narrow boardwalk side by side is positively encouraged, ideally alternating from ‘keep left’ to ‘keep right’ every 3 minutes to create confusion.

Unfortunately though the crowds start to thin out towards the end and I was starting to find it all a bit ‘safe’. No need to fear though. The top of the mountain has helpfully been closed so that visitors can congregate together on the small viewing platform, although only after queuing together on a narrow stairway first obviously.

Having run out of people to watch coughing, we then began our descent down the narrow stairs. An added bonus here was the visitors still making their way up the mountain. Sweating and gasping for breath as they brushed past, they gave an added bonus, remaining perfectly in character in a “virus, what virus?” way.

After a few more close quarters encounters at the styles, alas our thrill seeking came to an end. Although we had left ourselves time for a trip to the nearby ‘how many families can you cram into a toilet waiting area?’ attraction down the road

PS: this is actually a great attraction, we’ve visited before and loved it. And I’m sure the people who work there are a lovely bunch. But they really do need to think about the risks of the virus - some simple adjustments could help keep us all safe x

I was visiting my parents nearby so my dad and I decided to do it. I hike a lot and thought I was fairly fit but the steps at the end were tough going 😂 my 70 year old dad on the other hand motored up them putting me to shame! Joking aside, it's a great walk and great to have done it. We booked car park online in advance, we started the walk at 7 50 and there were only a few others on it. There were a lot of people coming up as we descended so I would recommend going early. Took us 2 hrs 5 minutes in total. I usually bring my dog everywhere but it is no dogs allowed here for a reason, there are sheep everywhere plus the wire on boardwalk can't be nice on their paws. Some idiots still brought their dogs though. There are no toilets etc so be warned!

My partner and I did the cuilcagh mountain walk and the view was great. We went to the main car park where it's £5 and there's a 2.75km walk just to get to the boardwalk. The path to the car park is very hilly and lots of potholes so go very slowly.

It was grey and overcast but still fab views and you feel very accomplished doing it.

This was a nice walk with brilliant views. It was very busy though, I know the car park is privately owned but there were no restrictions on numbers of cars being allowed in (at £5 each!!) and no toilet facilities, seems to be all about making money. The free car park with a toilet a mile further on seems to be a well kept secret but im glad we found it. There was a queue for over an hour on the steps to get to the viewing platform and no social distancing in place. I had thought dogs weren't allowed but there were a few there and its always sad to see people leaving behind their litter.

We took this walk after seeing pictures on social media, we do walk quite a bit, me more than my wife and really enjoyed this mountain park.
Be warned it's a good dander, took us about 2 and a half hours but would've been longer if we had've parked either at the Marble Arch caves carpark or at the first carpark when you drive in. If you get there early ask for the 2nd car park, it's closer and makes the walk much more enjoyable and a bit shorter.It's £5 to park which is fair enough if you ask me.
We got lucky and the weather was fantastic on our climb up and the views we're amazing, on the way down the weather closed in quick quickly and although we avoided any rain it did get a bit chilly.
There's no toilets or facilities like that so go prepared, bring fluids and good shoes and you'll have a great time.

A fabulous walk (very long) but worth it. You will not be disappointed with the vies at the end. Do not use the first car park you come to past the Marble Arch Caves. This is owned by a local farmer and he rips you off for cash. Travel a little further on to the official car park.

This is an 8km trek (up and down) - very manageable although last part was tough, but to be expected, and go at your own pace. Lovely views and we were lucky as weather stayed dry.can get very windy so go prepared and need water too. Took us just over 2 hr 15 mins to get up and down. It costs £5 or €6 to park and we parked at the second car park as got their early so that cuts out approx 1km walk and you are ready to go straight on the trek. Marble arch (caves) nearby also but can't comment as didn't do the tour but it has toilets if needs to go there as no facilities on mountain

This is a must do trek. Good preparation is the key to enjoying the experience. We set out on an overcast day with little rain forecast. Part way up the weather changed and we were walking in squally conditions with minimal visibility. Half an hour later it was clear and we had sunglasses on. The Boardwalk is narrow for social distancing but everyone was very well mannered when passing. Take your own sanitiser to use after climbing styles or using the rails on the Boardwalk. The view from the top is spectacular and worth it all. Wilderness all around but great views further towards lough Erne and the coast. Definitely recommend.

I did this in August, it rained from the minute we left the car park until we got back there 4 hours later, it made it very hard but I still enjoyed it. My top tips would be don't make the mistake of parking at the first car park because there are 2 closer to the beginning of the walk and its a long trek. Wear comfortable shoes, the boardwalk is very slippy when wet. Lastly wear some sort of bug repellent on any exposed skin, I came away with about 50 insect bites on my face & neck.

Weather aside the surrounding area is absolutely stunning, we couldnt see much at the top because visibility was nil but it was still worth doing.

Really nice walk, wouldn’t consider myself very fit but was able for it. There’s little areas along the way to stop for a breather.

Would absolutely not go if your conscious of Covid 19, there is no measures in place and at peak times the boardwalk is extremely busy and your walking side by side people - would definitely suggest going earlier or later, we arrived at 1 and it was extremely busy.

It’s a lovely walk, keep driving through the car park if you can as this reduces the walking time to the actual trail. Took us 2 and a half hours up and down from the closer car park and took a few stops too. Would advise good walking shoes and some snacks/water for going up the way.