Scenic Bernish Glen offers a fascinating glimpse in Tyrone’s past

Bernish Glen, which is situated between Sixmilecross and Carrickmore, is one of the most scenic locations in Mid-Tyrone.

Formed thousands of years ago, this gorge in the countryside can be clearly seen from far and wide. It’s also an area steeped in historic connections and local folklore.

The area is named after a local highwayman called Shane Bernagh Donnelly. He reputedly jumped the gorge between the two headlands in a successful attempt to escape advancing soldiers who were chasing.

A look at the gorge today vividly illustrates the scale of his achievement.

In more recent decades, Bernish Glen was extremely popular among local people on ‘Blueberry Sunday.’ This event took place each July or August and revolved around the picking of blueberries which are still prominent in the locality to this day, even though the tradition has largely died out.

But, tradition and history aside, Bernish Glen is a wonderful walk. Approaching from nearby fields, the sheer magnificence of the two cliffs is a sight to behold, for this is a landscape which has largely remained unaltered for hundreds of years, if not longer.

Be sure and drink in the glorious scenery and the views over Carrickmore, Sixmilecross and also to the Sperrins Mountains away in the distance. The area is especially attractive in these weeks of May when the abundant number of bluebells on Bernish Glen are in full bloom.

However, this is still a walk to savour no matter what the time of year. In recent years, the glen has been a popular destination for rambling groups and even the occasional group of tourists, often with connections to the area and memories of the famous ‘Blueberry Sunday’ of a bygone age.

It has also been immortalised in poem by the Bard of Tyrone, WF Marshall, who lived in Sixmilecross.

For the children, too, stories of caves with fairies inside will fire their imaginations. Whatever your reason for visiting, the historic and ancient Bernish Glen offers a fascinating glimpse into how our landscape was formed and also a relaxing and energising walk in the Tyrone countryside.