 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
 |
Glebe Cottage
Loughnavar Scenic Drive
From Enniskillen follow A46 for 8 miles. Take the road on the left with the sign for Forest Drive. The main purpose of this 11 km / 7 mile drive through Lough Navar is to reach the Magho Viewpoint which overlooks Lower Lough Erne and the Blue Stack mountain of Donegal. Along the route of the scenic drive are many other features well worth a visit. The forest is open throughout the year (admission charges are displayed at the entrance).
MAGHO VIEW POINT
From this point there are spectacular panoramic views over Lower Lough Erne. The high ground in the distance includes the Blue Stack Mountain of County Donegal. To the left on a good day you can see Slieve League and South West Donegal, distance of approx 57km/36 miles.
Do take time to walk along the cliff top footpath towards the west as far the surface footpath goes. The distance is under1km, just over half a mile. The walk does enable you to get a real feel of this part of Ireland.
LOUGH ACHORK
Shortly after passing the Old Man’s Head at the bottom of the steep hill you can see Lough Achork to the right. There is a well surfaced footpath around the lake involving a short walk of approx 1.3km (3/4 mile) taking about ½ hour.
The best way round is in a clockwise direction. At the far end, the first bridge you will come to is where the Sillies River leaves Lough Achork. This river is also known as ‘Silly River’ because it does not know where to go as it winds it’s way through the countryside before entering the River Erne near Enniskillen.
THE CORREL GLEN
Opposite the entrance to the scenic drive is a National Nature Reserve known as the Correl Glen. The surfaced footpath at first follows the Sillies River before climbing to a higher more open ground where splendid views are obtained. The path on it’s fairly short ‘loop’ walk is quite narrow and had several steeper sections and also a few steps.
TULLY
Approx 10 miles from Enniskillen on A46. This interesting walk near Tully Castle is mostly beside the Shore Line of Lower Lough Erne close to it’s broadest point. The distance of the walk is about 2 kms/ 1 ¼ miles taking under 1 hour to complete. Following changes to the original route which takes you around the outer walls of the castle, the new route starts from the car park for Tully Castle. Take a path from near the cottage towards the castle and lake. The lake path is in places very near the shoreline and does tend to get damaged by the water. For most of the year the path is passable. Sturdy footwear is advisable. The lakeside section of the walk is through natural woodland and offers a wide range of plant life. (no charge).
JASON’S WALK
Approx 2 miles from Glebe Cottage on the A46. A roadside car park is the starting point of this short lakeside walk beside Tully Bay along a walk through natural woodland containing a very good variety of wild flowers and plant life. The walk is also named after the late Jason Hassard who kindly gave the land for this pleasant walk.
ELY LODGE FOREST
Approx 5 miles from Enniskillen on A46. This area of fairly mixed conifer/hardwood forest offers a variety of walks. The marked walks involves a total distance of about 5 kms / 3 miles taking about 1 ½ hours.
It is easy however to divide the routes shown into a series of shorter walks all of which follow well surfaced paths or forest roads. The best starting point is from a large lay-by beside a telephone box. From this point you can drive the short distance to a second car park beside the lake. Picnic tables are available at both places. If walking all the way to the Carrickreagh viewpoint do take particular care when crossing the main Enniskillen/Belleek Road A46. At various places along the route it is possible to see parts of Ely Lodge Estate. This was the childhood home of the present Duke of Westminster.
BLACKSLEE TRAIL
The starting point of this walk is the Aghameelan View point. The route is fairly well marked and involves a walk of about 6 km / 4 miles, taking approx 2 hours. If you do not want to do the full walk, there are several opportunities to reduce the distance. The route is mostly on forest roads and includes several longish uphill sections.
In recent years much of the original conifer plantation has been clear felled and replanted. This had opened many fine views of the area and you will be walking through the surrounding countryside. The route to the waterfall is at first along an old forest road before becoming a narrow poorly deformed track. The conifer plantation in this area was planted in 1946. The forest service hope to retain this plantation of mixed conifers well into the 21st century as a form of ‘Heritage Stand’. During the walk pause to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this very beautiful area.