Big Dog Forest: Big Dog Walk
Big Dog Forest Walk is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. Big Dog Forest is 1,000 hectares in size and is cloaked largely with conifers. This beautiful short walk allows you to explore some of Fermanagh’s best upland landscapes, and the forest is inhabited by wildlife as varied as red deer, herons and dragonflies. This is a truly special spot offering a great day out for the family.
County Fermanagh
Distance 1.7 miles
OS Map Sheet 17
Terrain All types of terrain
Nearest Town Derrygonnelly
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H041494
Route Type Forest, Lakeland, Woodland
From the car park, follow the black route as indicated by the way marked posts. The walk takes you along forest tracks, before opening out to bisect Lough Nabrickboy, providing magnificent views of this upland lake. There is a picnic area here where you can enjoy a little feast before meandering through the forest to skirt the shoreline of Lough Doo. Pause a moment amidst the tranquility of this south facing shoreline before moving on. Travel back towards Lough Nabrickboy before taking in Little Dog on your right. One of the highlights of this route is the short but rewarding climb to the top of Little Dog, offering great 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Return back towards the car park following the way marked posts.
Please note: This Forest is managed sustainably by NI Forest Service. This walk is situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversions and closure from time to time.
Possibly the most intriguing features along the walk are the two hills Big Dog and Little Dog. Their names originate from Irish Folklore as they are named after Bran and Skeola (Sceolan), two of the legendary Finn Mac Cool’s favourite wolfhounds.
If travelling from Enniskillen, travel out along the B81 to Derrygonnelly and turn left at the end of the main street. Take the Garrison Road via Knockmore and head into the hills. Approximately 10km from Derrygonnelly, take the lane on the right signposted for Big Dog car park.
From Belcoo take the Garrison Road, approximately 11km turn right at the Cashel Cross Roads; continue along the country lane, after 8 km take the lane on the left signposted for Big Dog car park.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car parking and picnic area available, nearest amenities Derrygonnelly.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Big Dog Forest: Big Dog Walk