THIS week’s walk of the week takes us to Castle Caldwell estate for the Castle Scenic Walk.

With the following information provided courtesy of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, you can stay local, and yet still find plenty of natural gems to walk, see and explore that are practically on your doorstep, no matter where you live in the county.

Overview

THE Castle Scenic Walk offers a gentle and appealing introduction to the Castle Caldwell estate.

A series of forest tracks zig-zag through this ancient woodland area, where views are dominated by the castle ruins.

After passing through a section of walled garden, you will reach a gravel track leading to the foot of the ivy-clad ruins of the old castle.

Although the castle was eventually abandoned in the 1900s, if local ghost stories are to be believed, the ruins are still haunted by Dennis McCabe, a fiddler who drowned after falling off the Caldwell family barge.

A copy of the fiddler’s gravestone with its amusing inscription can be seen at the main entrance to the forest park.

THE information on this walking route has been provided by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and also features on a series of walking cards which have been developed to promote walking opportunities, trails and routes within the Council district.

Please note that to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, social distancing should be adhered to.

When visiting this or any similar area, try to avoid busy times, use the designated car parking spaces, and ‘Leave No Trace’ to ensure we can protect our environment for the enjoyment of all.

Nearest Town: Belleek

Points of Interest: Castle Caldwell ruins

Location: Turn off Kesh – Belleek A47 road, about 8km from Belleek, into Castle Caldwell Forest

Distance: 0.3 miles

Route Shape: Circular

Route Type: Forest

Facilities: Car parking and picnic facilities; amenities available in Belleek village, approximately 5mile away

Grade of Walk: Easy