0.9 miles
Loop
Moderate
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest 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
- Facilities Information panel, Fully accessible car parking and picnic area available in Ely Lodge Forest car park, nearest amenities Enniskillen.
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 4 Terrain: All types of terrain Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start 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.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Moderate 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.
Routes with a varying range of climbs and descents, loose and uneven surfaces. Expect a few, large obstacles such as stiles and steps. A good level of fitness and self-reliance is recommended.
