The Cavan Leitrim Railway was formed in 1883 to connect the towns of Belturbet, Ballyconnell, Ballinamore, Mohill and Dromod.
Livestock was the main revenue source for the railway when it commenced service from Dromod to Belturbet in October 1887 and Ballinamore to Arigna in May 1888. The extension to coalmines beyond the village in Arigna took another 32 years and was in full use from 1920. When the Electricity Supply Board the construction of a coal-fired power station on the shores of Lough Allen; it was anticipated that the power station would use the entire coal output from the Arigna mines. This proved to be the end for the Cavan and Leitrim Railway with its main revenue source removed.
The line finally closed on Tuesday, the 31st of March 1959 and the company immediately set about demolishing the railway, railway tracks were lifted and sold, and engines and carriageways either sold off or demolished.
The Ballinamore to Corgar Greenway closely follows the footprint of the former Cavan and Leitrim Railway, commencing from Ballinamore station and terminating adjacent to Corgar Lough.
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 2.4km
TIME: Approx 1 hour
WAYMARKING: Yes
DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, on a lead
FACILITIES NEARBY: Ballinamore. Shops, pubs, cafes/restaurants and accommodation.
TRAILHEAD/STARTING POINT: At St Felim’s College, Co-ordinates ITM: 613354, 811778,
DIRECTIONS TO THE STARTING POINT: The Greenway commences adjacent to the public carpark in the centre of Ballinamore.
