Annalee River Trail

The Annalee River Trail is an easy 2.8 km / 1.7 mi loop near Ballyhaise in County Cavan, with just 37 m / 121 ft of climbing and a highest point of 87 m / 287 ft. It is a short outing of about 40 minutes, well suited to a relaxed walk close to the village. The route starts at Woodlands and circles through a mix of riverside ground, open fields and woodland before returning to the start.

The route

From the Woodlands start, the loop follows the shape of the local lanes and tracks around the edge of the woodland block shown on the route. The ground is gentle throughout, with 34 m / 112 ft of descent as well as the modest climb, so there are no sustained hills. Its loop format makes it straightforward to follow, and the short distance means it works well as a quick leg-stretcher or an easy local walk.

Landscape and surroundings

This walk sits in the Annalee riverside landscape on the edge of Ballyhaise, passing through a patchwork of mixed woodland, farm track, grassland and local road. In the nearby woodland and along the route corridor, tree species recorded here include beech, sycamore, larch, birch, willow and holly, with alder, ash and oak along parts of the riverbank. The trail area also lies beside the Elteen Stream, a tributary of the Annalee.

Getting there

The trailhead is at Woodlands, Ballyhaise, just outside the village. Ballyhaise is served by TFI Local Link Route C1, which links the village with Cavan Bus Station, Butlersbridge and Kilmore Roundabout, making public transport access possible from Cavan town. For drivers, Ballyhaise is a short trip from Cavan, and the village has an established riverside amenity area and town-centre parking.

Local interest

Walking here gives a sense of Ballyhaise's river setting and its wider amenity plans. The riverside park in Ballyhaise already includes picnic tables, footpaths and bins, adding to the appeal of combining the walk with time in the village.

Terrain and preparation

With its easy grading, short length and low total ascent, this route is suitable for most walkers looking for a gentle outing. Surfaces can vary between lane, track and grassy ground, so waterproof footwear is useful after wet weather, especially where woodland paths are known to hold water in places. As always on a short rural loop, walkers should carry the HiiKER map for turn-by-turn guidance and take care on any road sections.