Lough Navar

The Allure of Lough Navar

Lough Navar is more than just a forest; it’s a diverse ecosystem teeming with life and natural wonders. The area is characterised by its rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and dense woodlands, creating a picturesque landscape that changes with each passing season. From the moment you enter the forest, you’re transported into a world where time seems to slow down, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades aay.

A Geological Marvel

One of the most striking features of Lough Navar is its unique geology. The forest sits atop a plateau of Carboniferous limestone, which has been shaped over millions of years by glacial activity and erosion. This geological heritage is evident in the dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and intricate rock formations that dot the landscape.

The Cliffs of Magho: A Breathtaking Vista

No visit to Lough Navar is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Magho. These imposing cliffs, rising 250 metres above the surrounding landscape, offer one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of Ireland. The Magho Cliffs Viewpoint provides an unparalleled panoramic vista that will leave you breathless.

The Magho Viewpoint Experience

As you approach the Magho Viewpoint, anticipation builds with each step. The well-maintained path leads you through the forest, gradually revealing glimpses of the vista beyond. When you finally reach the viewing platform, the full majesty of the landscape unfolds before your eyes.

From this vantage point, you can gaze out over the shimmering expanse of Lower Lough Erne, its islands dotting the water like emerald jewels. On a clear day, your view extends far beyond, encompassing the distant shores of Donegal Bay and the rugged silhouettes of the Blue Stack and Sperrin Mountains. To the east, you’ll see the rounded peaks of the Sperrin Mountains, while to the west, Slieve League, Donegal Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean stretch out before you. It’s a view that captures the essence of Ireland’s wild beauty, inviting quiet contemplation and inspiring a sense of wonder.

Photography Paradise

For photography enthusiasts, the Cliffs of Magho offer endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes. The changing light throughout the day paints the scene in different hues, from the soft golden glow of sunrise to the rich, warm tones of sunset. Whether you’re wielding a professional camera or simply snapping with your smartphone, you’re sure to come away with memorable images that showcase the raw beauty of Fermanagh’s countryside.

Exploring Lough Navar Forest

While the Cliffs of Magho may be the star attraction, Lough Navar Forest has much more to offer intrepid explorers. The forest is crisscrossed with a network of trails and paths, catering to visitors of all fitness levels and interests.

Hiking and Walking Trails

For those who love to explore on foot, Lough Navar boasts an excellent selection of hiking and walking trails. These range from short, easy walks suitable for families with young children to more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

The Lough Navar Forest Drive

One of the most popular ways to experience the forest is via the Lough Navar Forest Drive. This 7-mile scenic drive takes you through the heart of the forest, offering numerous stops along the way where you can park and explore on foot. The drive culminates at the Magho Viewpoint, making it an excellent option for those with limited mobility or time constraints.

Along the Forest Drive, you’ll find several points of interest:

1. Forest Entrance: A small car park and information board greet visitors. A short walk off the main path allows a view down to Carrick Lough, where you can spot the remains of an ancient crannog.
2. Aghameelan Viewpoint: Here, clear felling has allowed for a more sympathetic redesigning of the forest. Broadleaves such as oak, birch, and beech are now planted, and some areas are left unplanted for wildlife and landscape benefits. Enjoy a panoramic view of Fermanagh and Cavan from this point.
3. Whiterocks and Lough Slawn: Further up the drive, you’ll reach the starting point for the Whiterocks and Lough Slawn Trails.
4. Magho Viewpoint: The drive reaches its highest point here, offering spectacular views over Lower Lough Erne and its islands.
5. The Old Man’s Head: As you continue, you’ll notice the natural vegetation changing to a more upland variety. Look out for the rock outcrop shaped like an old man’s head.
6. Lough Achork: The drive ends at the car park at Lough Achork, where a trail circles the pleasant lough and offers views of distant rugged crags.
7. Sweat House: Near the exit of the drive, you’ll find a signposted ‘sweat house’, a historical feature once used to ease rheumatism sufferers.

Nature Trails

For a more immersive forest experience, consider one of the many nature trails that wind through Lough Navar:

1. Blackslee Trail: Starting from the Aghameelan Viewpoint car park, this four-mile walk along forest roads takes you through the oldest part of the forest, leading to a waterfall at its furthest point.
2. Whiterocks Trail: About half a mile long, this trail offers superb views of Lower Lough Erne and the hills of west Fermanagh and Leitrim.
3. Lough Slawn Trail: Similar to the Whiterocks Trail, this half-mile walk provides stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
4. Correl Glen Nature Trail: Located on the other side of the road from the forest entrance, this trail runs through part of the extensive Largalinny National Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to rare plants and almost all native Irish butterfly species.
5. The Ulster Way: This long-distance walking route passes through the forest, rising to a height of 735 feet.

Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting through the trees, or listen for the melodious songs of native birds echoing through the woods.

Cycling Adventures

Cycling enthusiasts will find Lough Navar a paradise on two wheels. The forest roads and trails provide excellent terrain for both casual rides and more challenging mountain biking experiences. The varied landscape ensures that every ride is an adventure, with stunning views around every corner.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Lough Navar Forest is a haven for wildlife, boasting a rich biodiversity that reflects the varied habitats within its boundaries. From the dense woodlands to the open moorlands and pristine lakes, each ecosystem supports a unique array of plant and animal life.

Flora

The forest is home to a diverse range of plant species, including native trees such as oak, ash, and birch, as well as introduced species like Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine. In spring and summer, the forest floor comes alive with colourful wildflowers, including bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic. The upland areas feature speedwell, aquilegia, heather, and scabious.

Fauna

Lough Navar provides a sanctuary for numerous animal species. Lucky visitors might spot red deer grazing in secluded glades or catch a glimpse of a pine marten scampering through the undergrowth. The forest is also an important habitat for many bird species, including buzzards, sparrowhawks, and the elusive crossbill. Butterfly enthusiasts will be delighted to spot species such as Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, and Peacock, especially along the roadside verges where flowering plants are allowed to bloom.

The Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark

Lough Navar Forest is proud to be part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, a designation that recognises the area’s exceptional geological heritage. This status not only highlights the scientific importance of the region but also promotes sustainable tourism and education.

Geological Wonders

The Geopark status of the area is a testament to its geological significance. Visitors to Lough Navar can explore millions of years of Earth’s history written in stone. From ancient seabeds turned to limestone to dramatic glacial landscapes, the forest offers a unique window into our planet’s past.

Educational Opportunities

The Geopark designation brings with it a wealth of educational opportunities. Interpretive panels throughout Lough Navar Forest provide insights into the area’s geology, ecology, and cultural heritage. For those keen to delve deeper, guided tours and educational programmes are often available, offering expert insights into this fascinating landscape.

Planning Your Visit to Lough Navar

Best Time to Visit

Lough Navar Forest is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. Spring brings a burst of new life, with wildflowers carpeting the forest floor. Summer offers long days perfect for extended hikes and picnics. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and russet hues. Even in winter, the stark beauty of the landscape has its own allure, especially on crisp, clear days when the views from Magho Cliffs are at their most expansive.

Practical Information

• Access: Lough Navar Forest is easily accessible by car. To reach the forest, travel along the B81 Derrygonnelly to Garrison road. At the T junction, turn left onto the Glennasheevar Road for about three miles. The entrance is on the right.
• Opening Hours: The forest is open every day from 10.00 am until sunset.
• Facilities: There are car parking facilities, picnic areas, viewpoints, and short walks to interesting features throughout the forest.
• Safety: While the trails are well-maintained, it’s important to come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, especially if venturing onto more challenging routes. Occasionally, there might be restricted access to parts of the forest due to works. Always follow safety information on signage.
• Respect the Environment: As with all natural areas, visitors are encouraged to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the beauty of Lough Navar for future generations.

Activities

In addition to hiking and scenic drives, Lough Navar offers opportunities for angling at Navar Lakes. Fishing enthusiasts should inquire about permits and regulations before casting their lines.

Nearby Attractions

While Lough Navar Forest could easily fill a day (or more) of exploration, its location in the heart of Fermanagh makes it an excellent base for discovering other local attractions.

Marble Arch Caves

Just a short drive from Lough Navar, the Marble Arch Caves offer a fascinating underground adventure. These spectacular caves showcase stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, carved by the power of water over millions of years.

Enniskillen

The charming town of Enniskillen, with its historic castle and vibrant cultural scene, is within easy reach of Lough Navar. It’s an ideal spot for dining, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this bustling market town.

Lower Lough Erne

After admiring Lower Lough Erne from the heights of Magho Cliffs, why not experience it up close? The lough offers excellent opportunities for water sports, fishing, or leisurely boat trips to explore its many islands.

Accommodation: Your Home Away From Home

After a day of exploration in Lough Navar Forest, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Look no further than Belmore Court & Motel, conveniently located in nearby Enniskillen. Just a short 20-minute drive from Lough Navar, Belmore Court & Motel offers the perfect base for your Fermanagh adventures.

Why Choose Belmore Court & Motel?

• Comfort and Convenience: With a range of room types to suit every need and budget, from self-catering apartments to luxurious suites, you’re guaranteed a comfortable stay.
• Excellent Amenities: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a delicious breakfast to fuel your explorations.
• Eco-Friendly: As a sustainably-minded establishment, Belmore Court & Motel aligns perfectly with the ethos of exploring natural wonders like Lough Navar Forest.
• Local Knowledge: The friendly staff at Belmore Court & Motel are a wealth of local information, offering tips and recommendations to enhance your visit to Lough Navar and the surrounding area.

Conclusion: Discover the Magic of Lough Navar

Lough Navar Forest is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that reconnects you with the raw beauty of nature. From the breathtaking vistas atop the Cliffs of Magho to the tranquil forest trails teeming with wildlife, every visit to Lough Navar offers something new to discover.

As part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Lough Navar stands as a testament to the geological and ecological importance of Fermanagh’s landscape. It’s a place where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient creatures, witness the power of glacial forces, and marvel at the resilience of nature.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquillity, or simply a break from the ordinary, Lough Navar Forest delivers in spades. And with the comfortable accommodation of Belmore Court & Motel just a stone’s throw away, you have the perfect base from which to explore this hidden gem of Northern Ireland.

So pack your walking boots, charge your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Fermanagh’s wild beauty. Lough Navar Forest awaits, ready to inspire, rejuvenate, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.