The Cahermurphy Loop is a 9km walk that takes you by White Sands Beach, along the bank of the Bleach River, and through Cahermurphy Forest. A moderate ascent to 100m provides spectacular views of Lough Graney and the surrounding countryside. This looped walk is part of the network of walks under the Shannon Region Trails Programme and is marked using the standard red Shannon Region Trails directional arrows.

Starting from the village of Flagmount, travel north of the village for approximately 2km in the direction of Gort and take a left at the signpost for Cahermurphy Forest. The trailhead is located approximately 1km from this junction on the northern shore of Lough Graney.

Routes:

A-B: Starting from the car park at the trailhead in Cahermurphy Forest, the loop follows the sandy path to the right along the Lough Graney shoreline. The loop continues along this rough path with the Bleach River on the left until it reaches a gap on the right which enters the forest. The loop follows this track through the forest along a series of footbridges until it reaches a forest road, where it turns left.

B-C: After 400m, you reach a ramp on the left taking you back onto a forest track. The loop follows this forest track (beside forest road) for 500m until it reaches a minor road. There are deer inhabiting this forest so keep an eye out for them in their natural environment.

C-D: After exiting the forest, turn left onto the minor road. For a short distance here you are also on the East Clare Way (marked with yellow arrows and the familiar trekking man logo). The looped walk continues on the minor road, keeping to the right at Bleach Bridge junction (leaving the East Clare Way, which turns left). The loop follows this minor road for 1.5km until it meets a junction to the right onto a very minor road.

D-E: The loop continues along this minor road, mostly uphill, for 2km through Corlea Beg, and eventually reaches the highest point of the walk (150m), overlooking Lough Graney and the village of Flagmount.

E-F: At the top of this road, you will rejoin the East Clare Way, turning right at the junction on the minor road. Follow this section of minor road and after a short distance turn right again at a small water plant which takes the loop downhill to Flagmount along a green path with several stone wall stiles.

F-A: Turn right at Flagmount village and follow the looped walk (and the East Clare Way) for 2km along the Gort Road with Lough Graney on your left. At the entrance to Cahermurphy Forest, turn left (leaving the East Clare Way again) and continue along the forestry road.