Fermanagh and Omagh boasts many fantastic trails to explore on foot! Whether you are a local looking for some inspiration for your next walk close to home or you are planning a visit to the area check out our top picks and ultimate guide to exploring this location below.

Bessy Bell

An interesting walk through farmland onto a small rounded mountain with views all around of the Sperrin Mountains. This trail starts from Mellon Country Inn and passes an ancient Holy Well on the ascent to the summit. This trail is part of both the Ulster Way and the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland. Each year on New Year’s Day hundreds of walkers can be found heading to the summit as part of an annual tradition (find out more about this walk on the Friends of the Glens Facebook). The trail is linear so you will need to retrace your steps back to the start.

Gortin Lakes

A short circular walk leading around Gortin Lakes that offers superb views of the Sperrins landscape. The path is easily followed with a number of seating benches placed so walkers can take a rest and take in the majestic views.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

Have you encountered the Gortin Giant who stands on the summit of Mullaghcarn?. This is a fantastic reward for walkers who take on the challenging climb up through Gortin Forest to the summit. For those looking gentler walks there are a number of other trails to explore within the forest of varying lengths. A playpark, cafe, toilet facilities and picnic areas are all available within the forest for those looking to spend the day exploring.

Friends of the Glens lead weekly walks in the forest so we encourage you to follow them on social media for more information on their next mid week walking series.

Big Dog Forest

Cloaked largely with conifers, this beautiful short walk allows you to explore some of Fermanagh’s best upland landscapes. The forest is inhabited by wildlife as varied as red deer, herons and dragonflies. One of the highlights of this walk is the short but rewarding climb to the summit of Little Dog where you will be rewarded with 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Castle Archdale (Tom’s Island Walk)

Located on the eastern shores of Lower Lough Erne, this walk takes in many differing landscapes and offers something for everyone. The magestic Tom’s Island boasts great views across the lough to White Island and Davy’s Island. This trail also skirts around the shoreline offering a quite place for reflection. The forest is a richly varied one and features ruined Castles, WWII docks & buildings as well as ancient woodland. Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views.

Castle Caldwell (Rossergole Point Walk)

Spectacular views await those who explore Castle Caldwell Forest. One of three routes this walk follows the lake and shore and takes in man-made and natural wonders, including a lime-kiln which hints at the association of the Caldwell estate with the nearby Belleek Pottery and the eerie ruins of Castle Caldwell.

Belmore Forest (Pollnagollum Cave Walk)

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 most extraordinary feature on this route is Pollnagollum Cave, Irish for “Hole of the doves”. The cave is fed by a waterfall toppling down from the top of a limestone cliff and is swollen to a torrent during harsh weather. Depending on the time of day and year keep a watchful eye out for bats and birds around the cave entrance.

Long Distance Walks Through Fermanagh & Omagh

International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland and Ulster Way

Both the Ulster Way (Northern Ireland’s longest walking trail) and the International Appalachian Trail (a trail which starts at the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal and travels east to Larne) pass through Fermanagh and Omagh. The IAT Ulster-Ireland trail picks up the iconic Ulster way on the northern slopes of Bolaght Mountain. One of the highlights of this section is the ascent of Bessy Bell, where walkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the western Sperrins and, on a good day, of Mount Errigal.

Global Geoparks & Loughs

Whilst Fermanagh is renowned for its lakelands, the first destination for any keen walker should be Cuilcagh Mountain, the highest summit in the County, standing at 665m (2,181ft). Explore undulating hills covered in heather, quiet valleys, boggy uplands and a land teeming with wildlife.

The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark formerly the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is recognised by UNESCO because of its internationally important geological heritage, the Marble Arch Caves became the World’s first Global Geopark in December 2008. The Geopark is host to one of Europe’s finest showcaves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers.

Walking Festivals

Those visiting Fermanagh and Omagh can partake in a number of annual walking festivals and events including the Friend’s of the Glens New Year’s Day walk to the summit of Bessy Bell. More information can be found on the Walking Festivals section of WalkNI.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed to explore the majority to trails in Fermanagh and Omagh providing they are on a lead and kept under control. Please ensure that you pick up any dog waste and dispose of this in the appropriate dog bins provided. If a bin is not provided please dispose of this waste at home.

Leave No Trace – Keep Trails Tidy

Fermanagh and Omagh Council encourage you to practice the principles of Leave No Trace when out exploring this region on foot. If waste bins are full please bring your rubbish home and dispose of it there. All these little steps can help you stay on the ‘Right Side of Outside’.

Content sourced from WalkNI (walkni.com).