6.1 miles
Loop
Strenuous
Carrigan Forest: Lough Formal Walk
Lough Formal Walk: Carrigan Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The Lough Formal walk is almost all on forestry tracks and features a short path through the heather to the summit of Formal More. This brisk walk is a chance to fill your lungs with mountain forest air while enjoying the views from Formal More, looking at some features of geological interest and experiencing a touch of wilderness. Sitting quietly for a while, you may be surprised at how much wildlife comes to you, in this seemingly barren woodland.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the car park, follow the black route as indicated by the way marked posts. This takes you west along a short section of minor road, where the route then branches left onto a forest track. The route takes you through corridors of forest, opening up as you near Lough Formal. Take a moment to watch for woodland wildlife on one of the benches overlooking Lough Formal and proceed along the shores of the lough before making the short climb up Formal More to enjoy the views towards Lough Melvin, Donegal Bay and Cuilcagh Mountain. Retrace your steps to the junction in the path where you then turn right. The next section traces the Roogagh River and takes you deep into the forest before re-emerging onto the hill road.
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the car park, follow the black route as indicated by the way marked posts. This takes you west along a short section of minor road, where the route then branches left onto a forest track. The route takes you through corridors of forest, opening up as you near Lough Formal. Take a moment to watch for woodland wildlife on one of the benches overlooking Lough Formal and proceed along the shores of the lough before making the short climb up Formal More to enjoy the views towards Lough Melvin, Donegal Bay and Cuilcagh Mountain. Retrace your steps to the junction in the path where you then turn right. The next section traces the Roogagh River and takes you deep into the forest before re-emerging onto the hill road.
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.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest The most intriguing feature along the walk is the delightful Lough Formal that lies in the shadow of Formal More and Formal Beg. The bed of Lough Formal sits astride two very different rock types: Dartry Limestone and Glenade Sandstone both of which forme
- Facilities Information panel. Car parking available in car park for Big Dog Forest, nearest amenities Derrygonnelly.
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 4 Terrain: All types of terrain Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start From Enniskillen, follow the signs to Derrygonnelly and turn left at the end of the main street. Take the Garrison road via Knockmore and drive into the hills. Approximately 10km from Derrygonnelly, take the lane on the right signed 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.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Level of Difficulty Strenuous TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Physically demanding, narrow trails with steep climbs and descents over short and long distances. Expect the surface to be uneven and changeable throughout with natural surfaces like grass, exposed rock and trodden earth. The surface may change suddenly and be unstable in places. There will be slippery sections when wet and large, frequent obstacles like exposed roots, large boulders, overgrown sections, uneven stiles and long stretches of uneven steps.
Outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
