A run of this beautiful Valley will test anyone who intends to take part in the Warriors Run. The start is at the Ballintrillick Primary School where registration will take place from 5 pm, walkers will start at 6pm with runners off at 6:30 pm. Online Entry will be €10 online, €12 on the day.
The first km of the course is relatively flat, before you get to the mill (The Gleniff Barytes Mill) on the left hand side, from there on there is slightly more than a km of very steep rise (there would be no shame in walking some of it!) which could be described as the hell of the north west! Everything after this is a doddle! Steep climbs and falls are the order of the day for the rest of the course.
Further on you will pass a road leading up to T.V. antenna at the top of Truskmore. From the top of truskmore there is a stunning view of five counties, but not today!.
As you turn to go back down the valley you come to the spectacular cliffs of Annacoona. The cliff face contains small mine entrances, testament to a bygone age when the mineral Barytes was extracted from here. The corner of this valley forms a natural amphitheatre, the result of the last ice age when glacial action plucked the limestone from the back wall of the cliff.
The cave in which Diarmuid and Grainne slept their last night is clearly visible, high on the mountain, behind the old school building. According to legend, the ultimate demise of the illfated lovers was tragically enacted on Ben Whiskin’s slopes, that beautiful wave-like peak on your left as you leave the valley.
Donegal Bay beckons as you complete the final mile, with a stunning view of Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castle stretching out in the foreground.
Tranquility, pure air, mountains and bog roads, forest walks and cycling routes are available in Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo a superb scenic location with a rich heritage and unique flora and fauna.