Cross Slieve
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Cross Slieve
Cross Slieve stands proudly at 672 meters in the stunning Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, a place where nature greets you with open arms—and occasional wind gusts!
Geology
The mountain primarily consists of granite and shale, with some interesting glacial features that tell tales of a time when ice shaped the landscape. The richness of the geology makes Cross Slieve not just a treat for the eyes but a fascinating exploration for geology buffs.
Access
The nearest parking can be found at the Owenkillew trailhead. It's quite generous and should accommodate most vehicles—just don't bring the bus! You can also hop on a bus from Omagh that gets you to Gortin, but double-check the schedule, as it might be less frequent than the sheep that roam these hills.
The Route
The Owenkillew Trail is the most popular route leading to Cross Slieve. Spanning approximately 8 kilometers, the trail offers a moderate level of challenge, making it accessible for most hikers. Expect a delightful combination of grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and a few peaty patches that might give your boots a good soaking!
Summit Features
Upon reaching the summit, you're greeted by a charming stone cairn, perfect for that Instagram shot to make your friends green with envy. The area offers ample space to sit and soak in the views whilst munching on a well-deserved snack. Just remember, no summit café here!
Views
Cross Slieve provides stunning panoramic views of the Fermanagh Lakes and the hills of County Tyrone. If the weather plays nice, the Mourne Mountains can be a beautiful sight on the horizon. For the best experience, aim to hike in spring or autumn for those postcard-perfect scenes.
Hazards
While the beauty of Cross Slieve is enough to steal your breath away, the weather can be a fickle friend. Be prepared for sudden changes and stick to the well-marked paths—muddier trails can lead to unexpected slip and slides, especially after a downpour!
Facilities
When you descend, Gortin has various cafes offering a cosy refuge with refreshments—perfect after your climb!
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a cosy stroll, Cross Slieve invites you into its arms. So grab your boots and a trusty camera; adventure awaits!
Explore routes near Cross Slieve
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Portballintrae to Giant's Causeway: railway path and Blue Trail return
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Belfast street-art walk
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Belfast street-art walk
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Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Owenkillew Trail
A scenic loop that starts near the village of Gortin, offering ascending paths interspersed with stunning views of the rich valley and adjacent peaks.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
206m
676 ft
Prominence
150m
Coordinates
55.0974, -6.0646
D236295
OS Map
05
At the Summit
At the summit, you'll find a stone cairn and plenty of space for a well-deserved picnic. Bring your own cake, as the summit does not serve tea!
Terrain & Geology
The Sperrin Mountains are primarily composed of igneous and sedimentary rocks, notably granite and shale, forming a rugged and scenic landscape. The presence of glacial features adds to its geological intrigue.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Fermanagh Lakes and the rolling hills of County Tyrone. On a clear day, you might even spot the Mourne Mountains in the distance.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Cross Slieve' is derived from the Irish 'Sliabh Chros', meaning 'Cross Mountain'. Legend has it that it was once a sacred place for druids, though it’s a bit quieter these days.
Historical Significance
The area has a rich history, with archaeological sites that hint at ancient civilizations and traditions linked to the land.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is parking available at the trailhead near Gortin, which can accommodate several vehicles. Just a stone's throw from the trail, it's the perfect starting point!
Public Transport
Regular bus services run from Omagh to Gortin, though check local times as they can be a bit like the weather—unpredictable!
Nearby Facilities
In Gortin, several cafes serve delicious snacks to refuel after your hike; just be sure to check opening hours, as some may close mid-afternoon!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be aware of sudden weather changes; it can be sunny one moment and then rain the next! Also, some paths can be slippery after rain.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Cross Slieve?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cross Slieve through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cross Slieve?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cross Slieve search or of course create your own walk for Cross Slieve
Can I organise a walk to Cross Slieve?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cross Slieve.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Cross Slieve?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cross Slieve here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: D236295
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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