Top Walks: SUBMERGE YOURSELF IN LOUGH ERNE'S BEGUILING LANDSCAPE
ELY LODGE FOREST
Carrickreagh Viewpoint Walk cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/ely-lodge-forest/ is part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, it can be accessed by both water and land as the forest is located on Lower Lough Erne. A popular fishing spot from anglers all over the world. The forest contains a fine mixture of broadleaved and coniferous trees but of particular note are the mature European larches that thrive here. Follow the path as it meanders along the shoreline with views to savour. The Carrickreagh Jetty Walk (2km) here is a pleasant, easy trail with an accessible path. Suitable for both families & beginner walkers.
Keep an eye out for red squirrels that are active in the forest!
CASTLE COOLE
Castle Coole www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole is one of Northern Ireland’s finest Neo-classical houses, allowing visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Designed by James Wyatt, Wyatt adhered closely to the Neo-classical ideal of restraint, symmetry and proportions, with architectural features carefully scaled.
The surrounding wooded landscape park sloping down to Lough Coole is ideal for long walks and for dog walkers. Take a trip below the house to experience the unusual servant’s tunnel whilst on a guided or self-guided tour.
An ideal day out for the whole family!
CUILCAGH BOARDWALK
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland. A really quite extraordinary to visitors: a linear walking route, a little over 12km, that takes you from the car park right to the mountain’s well-known flat summit via a stepped wooden boardwalk. A steep climb is required to reach the viewing platform which provides breath taking views of the surrounding low lands. With views of limestone landscape, abandoned Irish cottages, dry stone walls and potato cultivation ridges, Ireland’s past heritage is sure to take your breath away.
The views are breathtaking whichever direction you walk and when you reach the top, you’ll be gifted with the sight of Lough Atona, a glacial lake nestled at the foot of the mountain as well as Lough McNean.
CLIFFS OF MAGHO
BLACKSLEE WATERFALL
The path will allow you to pass ‘boulder field’ – an area of huge sandstone boulders left behind as the ice sheets melted at the end of the last Ice Age over 13,000 years ago. At the top you will witness the beauty of Blackslee Waterfall, flowing down a 20m cliff before continuing its journey down an undercut rocky gorge. The path then continues into Lower Lough Erne.
A Moderate trail with a distance of around 4 miles.
CASTLE ARCHDALE
The Castle Archdale is a country park packed with many walking routes that pass ponds, a wildflower meadow, a butterfly garden and a deer park enclosure. The Woodside Riverland Walk follows a circular route through woodland and commercial forest thickets. If you are lucky, you may spot a kingfisher skimming over the waters in its search for food.
Offering something a little different to other scenic parks – This vast natural playground was the most westerly flying boat base in the Second World War, and was the main base from which these aircraft flew. Be sure to check out the Castle Archdale at War exhibition.
FLORENCECOURT CIRCULAR
The Florencecourt Circular brilliant, scenic trail through the Florence Court makes for an excellent walk to do with the whole family and is perfect for walking, running and cycling. A well-signposted and maintained walk with scenic views of green woodlands and lush rivers.
Ensure proper footwear is worn. Takes an average of 2 h 20 min to complete.
POLLNAGOLLUM CAVE
Pollnagolllum Cave Walk: Belmore Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.
This walk is located in the Boho-Belmore Mountain area, right in the heart of Fermanagh’s cave country. Beneath your feet lies an extensive maze of caves which attract cavers and potholers from far and wide to west Fermanagh. The cave is fed by a waterfall and swells to a torrent during harsh weather. The exterior of Pollnagollum Cave was used to film Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in Season 3!