Ely Lodge Forest: Carrickreagh Viewpoint Walk
Carrickreagh Viewpoint Walk is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. Ely Lodge Forest can be accessed by both water and land as the forest is located on the southern fringes of Lower Lough Erne. Access is possible by boat at Carrickreagh Jetty. The lough draws coarse anglers all year round, and several walks pass through these leafy forest tracks. The forest contains a fine mixture of broadleaved and coniferous trees but of particular note are the mature European larches that thrive here. Heading towards Carrickreagh Viewpoint, keep an eye out for red squirrels that are active in the forest. The red squirrel’s diet consists of a variety of small seeds and nuts, shoots of young plants and spring blossoms and their dreys (nests) can be seen high in the trees.
County Fermanagh
Distance 0.9 miles
OS Map Sheet 17
Terrain All types of terrain
Nearest Town Enniskillen
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H180513
Route Type Forest, Woodland
From the car park, follow the black route, as indicated by the way marked posts. The walk is along forest tracks and takes you on a steep climb up through a hillside forest. Continue until you join a gravel path which leads to Carrickreagh Viewpoint where a wooden hut provides shelter for a well earned rest and a great opportunity to take in the views. Stretching out below you is Lower Lough Erne, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Britain or Ireland. Heading downhill, weave your way back through the forest before returning to your starting point.
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.
One of the finest features of this walk is the outlook from Carrickreagh Viewpoint. On a fine day you can see as far as the Bluestack Mountains in Co. Donegal to the north and out to Sligo Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in the west
From Enniskillen, travel north along the A46 Shore road towards Belleek. Approximately 10km from Enniskillen, Ely Lodge Forest car park is signed and located on the right. Alternatively you can continue for 150 metres to the Carrickreagh Viewpoint walk car park itself, situated on your left.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Information panel, Fully accessible car parking and picnic area available in Ely Lodge Forest car park, nearest amenities Enniskillen.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Ely Lodge Forest: Carrickreagh Viewpoint Walk