From Cappoquin take the R669 eastwards. At the junction where there is a statue between the two roads, veer right. Cross a bridge and turn immediately left into a car park beside the river. Take the forestry track upstream from the car park. This track takes you up the steep side of Glenshelane through a forest which has a mixture of Oak, Beech, and lots of scrub. Do not take the footbridge you meet as the best is yet to come.
The track continues on up the glen and after about 20/30 minutes just past another bridge is the ‘meeting of the waters’ where the Glenshelane river meets the Glenfallia and Monavugga rivers, the latter two having earlier converged into one.
Continue upwards until you meet a bridge which briefly takes you to the opposite bank. Return again to the original bank of the river. As you observe the path beginning to broaden there is a grassy path which takes you left to a footbridge over the river. It is essential to stay close to the river and not veer to the right.
For the return journey cross the river and turn left.
Follow the forestry track to the public road. Turn left and continue on the road for approximately 1.5km when you will observe a black gate through which you enter and take the forest route back to the car park. The descent takes you to a path by the Monavugga river, turn left and follow it to cross a bridge over the river. Take the forestry road downstream to the Glenshelane river and continue to the public road, a left across a bridge and a further left will take you back to the car park.
Photo By: Sean Byrne
