Lough Erne and the Shannon Erne Waterway offer numerous scenic walks that showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the region. Here are some of the best walks near the lake and the waterway:
CASTLE ARCHDALE ROUTES
Easy - 1.4 to 3.8km
Castle Archdale is rich in history, with many important legacies of World War 2 to explore. Perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, there are three short, circular trails set amongst the gorgeous scenery of Castle Archdale Country Park that can be explored by foot or by bike. The trails are the Red Route at 1.4km, The blue route at 1.9km and the yellow route at 3.8km. You can examine flying boat docks, ammunition storage sites, trench shelters and even a WW2 tank. You may also spot the park’s diverse wildlife in action – from pine martins and hedgehogs, to foxes and red squirrels. The Yellow Trail winds its way along the lough’s edge, taking in wildlife areas such as a deer enclosure and butterfly garden, as well as the historical Jetties and Marina. Walkable in just under an hour, this trail is the perfect introduction to Castle Archdale Country Park.
https://www.waterwaysireland.org/things-to-do/walking/castle-archdale-country-park-blue-route
CASTLE CALDWELL
Easy - 1.7 to 3.8km
There are two walks around Castle Caldwell. Beechwood at 1.7km takes you through dense woodland, scenic lake views and a 17th-century castle on this gentle circular route. Starting along the peninsula shore, you’ll walk between alder and willow trees, enjoying a terrain that was submerged under water until the 1880’s, when the Lower Lough Erne was lowered by several metres, revealing new land and creating new habitats. Rossergole point you wind along stunning lakeside scenery and meander through a splendid woodland filled with ash, beech, oak and holly trees. Explorers will discover an industrial sized lime kiln, which was built to make limestone into quicklime, which was transported by barge to nearby Belleek and used by local potters.
https://www.waterwaysireland.org/things-to-do/walking/castle-caldwell-rossergole-point-walk
CROM ESTATE
Easy 5.6 KM
Get lost in nature, surround yourself with history and experience a sublime landscape of woods, islands and castle ruins at the wonderful Crom Estate. Set beside Lough Erne, the estate is a hugely important conservation site and is home to one of Ireland's rare broadleaved woodlands, filled with oak trees and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including lichens and mosses. The remarkable Old Castle ruins will certainly catch your attention while walking here. Built in the early 17th century by a Scottish planter, Michael Balfour, the castle survived two sieges in 1689, before succumbing to a devastating fire in 1764. Nearby, you'll find the remarkable Yew Trees of Crom, which featured on the list of the 50 Greatest British Trees. Hire a boat and take in views of Gad Island and Crichton Tower; escape into the woodlands along the Wildlife Trail; or enjoy afternoon tea at the café, with views over the water.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom/crom-wildlife-walk
MAGHO CLIFFS
Difficult - 3km
Experience pure invigoration on Magho Cliffs, a 5.5 mile stretch of limestone escarpment offering incredible views of the heath, peat, water and woodland landscapes below. Start your journey by following the path to the left, leading you up and across the Magho Cliffs. At the viewpoint, which is over 300 metres high, you’ll enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view of Lower Lough Erne, extending across counties Fermanagh, Sligo, Tyrone and Donegal. Take in miles of untouched water, bog, woodland and forests below, or see what wildlife you can spot around you – the cliffs are a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest, and home to a wide variety of indigenous butterflies and birds.
Proceed on your walk by returning back along the clifftop path and following the markers for the black route, which will bring you down along the cliff’s contours. On your way, you’ll wind through areas of woodland and open areas, allowing you to glimpse the cliffs as you walk.
https://www.waterwaysireland.org/things-to-do/walking/magho-cliffs
BALLYCONNELL WALKING TRAIL
6km
Starting and finishing at the scenic village of Ballyconnell, this great looped trail sweeps into a landscape that mixes silky waters with a woodland of oak, ash and beech. Starting off, you'll have the Woodford River – part of a canal linking the Shannon and Erne rivers – by your side. Cross a couple of stiles and you'll be into Annagh Lough Woods, which was once part of the old Ballyconnell Demesne. The path here loops around the forest, before bringing you back along the river trail to Ballyconnell.
https://www.bluewaysireland.org/trails/ballyconnell-loop-walking-trail
BALLINAMORE WALKING TRAIL
Easy, 4.5km
A great one for kids, this easy-going looped walking trail starts and finishes in the busy town of Ballinamore. There are a couple of road crossings and a canal crossing at the Ardrum Lock, but otherwise you'll mostly be beside tranquil waters where traffic is a distant memory. The looped trail starts and finishes at the Ballinamore Marina.
These walks provide a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage along the River Shannon, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
Best Walks near the Erne and Shannon-Erne Waterway - Images
Walking Routes around Castle Archdale on Lough Erne
Scenic Woodland Walks around Castle Caldwell.
Experience pure invigoration on Magho Cliffs, a 5.5 mile stretch of limestone escarpment