Winter Walks in the Lakelands

Going for a walk is a wonderful way to switch off from the world and feel revitalised and there is no better part of the world in which to get walking than County Fermanagh.

Whether it’s a relaxing stroll along a river bank, a hike up a mountain or a ramble through a forest; grab your walking boots and woolly hats and set off this winter to explore some of the amazing walks Fermanagh has to offer.

Some of the finest landscapes in the north of Ireland are located in the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Ranging from rugged uplands, lakes and forests through to gently rolling drumlins, the Geopark has a variety of walks that brings to life the fascinating geological story of this beautiful area. 

One of the most popular walks over recent years has been the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) located near the Marble Arch Caves, just 12 miles from Enniskillen.  The walk meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase and finishing with a steep climb to reach the viewing platform, a walk not for the faint hearted, but totally worth it for the breathtaking views of the surrounding low lands.

Or why not enjoy a tree-mendous couple of hours completing Castle Archdale Forest Walk near the village of Lisnarick.  Walkers can stroll along the circular gravel track through thickets of woodland and commercial forest meandering along the course of a woodland river that travels right to Lough Erne.  If you are lucky you may spot a kingfisher skimming over the waters in its search for food.

The more experienced walker can tackle Lough Navar Magho Cliffs, a demanding walk that is well worth the effort. The walk starts with a steep climb made up of around 370 steps but there are benches to take a break to catch your breath and take in the beautiful woodland.   At a height of 300m, the viewpoint offers a bird’s eye view across Lower Lough Erne and as far as the Wild Atlantic Way. The abundance of wildlife is very evident, keep an eye out for the array of butterflies and birds feeding in the area. 

Those looking for a shorter stroll will enjoy the Gortamconnell Viewpoint Walk which can be completed in under 30 minutes.  The summit of Gortmaconnell Rock, which reveals a breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic views of Cuilcagh Mountain, MacNean Valley, and the Erne Lowlands.

Budding archaeologists will enjoy a walk around Killykeegan Nature Reserve. This stunning landscape is dominated by limestone hills that were laid down hundreds of millions of years ago when the landmass, which now forms Fermanagh was under a tropical sea. Walkers will enjoy delicate woodland flowers and a rich variety of herbs and grasses. You may even be treated to a glimpse of an Irish hare or a stoat darting along the dry stone walls.

Carrickreagh Viewpoint Walk, as part of Ely Lodge Forest,  is along forest tracks and takes you on a steep climb up through a hillside forest leading to Carrickreagh Viewpoint with views below of Lower Lough Erne, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the UK or Ireland.

Explore the island town of Enniskillen on the Cornagrade Riverside Walk starting from the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and following the riverside path northwards. The Back Lough has a wintering flock of tufted duck; and common and black-headed gulls winter here, occasionally joined by Iceland and Mediterranean gulls. Walkers will see large numbers of mallard and mute swans gather, expecting to be fed at the Round ‘O’ Park; and Kingfishers can sometimes be seen skimming past while great crested and little grebes dive for food. 

Ancient woods, wild parklands, trails and landscaped gardens. You’ll spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a walk at all three National Trust properties located in Fermanagh.

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Soak up the festive atmosphere with a walk around Enniskillen, Ireland's only Island Town. Take a selfie at the stunning walk through Christmas Tree in the town centre, and enjoy all the beautiful shopfronts. Pop in for a warm winter drink in one of the many pubs or coffee shops on offer.

Take a pleasant, gentle walk around the tranquil Lough Coole, spotting wildlife and glimpses of the mansion house on the way on the Castle Coole Lake Walk Trail. This leisurely stroll will only take 30 minutes and is located just outside of Enniskillen town.

Alternatively, escape to the tranquil 2000 acre estate at Crom, The Wildlife Walk, at 3.5 miles long, gives visitors the opportunity to wander through this important nature reserve with its breath-taking landscape of islands, woodland and historic ruins. 

Walkers will fall in love with the Trails at the Florence Court Estate. This stunning 18th century Irish estate serves up sweeping vistas on two spectacular routes designed for walkers of all abilities. Take a gentle stroll around the forest park and pleasure grounds on the 2.2 mile Blue Trail or get more active with the challenge of the 5.6 mile Red Trail.

After making the most of the short winter day’s outdoors, there’s no shortage of spectacular accommodation to make the most of those long winter nights.  From luxury hotels and castles to cosy B&B’s and quirky glamping sites, Fermanagh has the perfect place for you to kick off those hiking boots and enjoy a warm meal, soak in a hot tub or relax with an indulgent Irish coffee or hot chocolate by the fire.

Visitors may want to book into the 4* Manor House Country Hotel located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands on the shores of Lough Erne. The award winning hotel is the perfect country retreat combining old world charm with modern hotel luxury. After a day of exercise in the great outdoors, guests can experience a true sense of tranquility and relaxation with full leisure facilities on offer.

Alternatively, the 4* Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges offers a range of luxury suites and self-catering lodges.  After working up an appetite from walking, guests can enjoy a choice of Lakeside Dining experiences including The Lakeside Grill, which features an Outdoor Lakeside Terrace, serving a causal all day dining menu or have dinner with a view in Kove Restaurant.

A stay in luxurious 5-star Lough Erne Resort, is not to be missed. Nestled on a 600 acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, it has spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands and The Faldo Course.  Relax after your winter walk in the Thermal Suite and Infinity pool and maybe treat yourself to a unique Thai inspired luxury spa treatment before indulging in a showcase of modern Irish cuisine at its finest with a collection of menus created by acclaimed Chef, Noel McMeel and his culinary team using only the very best of local, seasonal ingredients.

County Fermanagh boasts a bucketful of self catering and B&B options including a stay at Belle Isle Estate - your very own fairy-tale castle accommodation set by the sparkling Fermanagh water’s edge. You’ll find plenty of comfortable spaces inside the castle to luxuriate in including, a welcoming drawing room that features a warming fireplace at its heart, the perfect spot to warm up after a winter walk with a hot chocolate or a glass of your favourite tipple.

After a day spent outdoors getting back to nature, visitors may wish to stay off grid or under the stars and County Fermanagh has a vast array of unique and unusual accommodation on offer.

Visitors can experience the Bubble Domes at Finn Lough, a luxury hideaway, and after a day out walking it’s the perfect place to stay switched off and remain amongst nature. Relax and revive in the spa; explore and discover the forest and lake; eat and drink and then sleep in the transparent dome with uninterrupted views of the starry skies.

Plucked straight from a fairy tale, Keenaghan Cottage is an idyllic thatched self-catering cottage nestled in the heart of the countryside, free from the hustle and bustle of modern life, offering unrivalled peace and tranquillity - the perfect secret escape to relax, unwind and recharge.

To find out more about any of the walks or accommodation mentioned, or to plan your winter adventure check out our dedicated Walking Section.