Florence Court Forest Trail

About

Section 5 of the Cuilcagh Way

Weave your way through the Florence Court Forest Park before reaching the rolling Marlbank Hills with their species rich grassland and exposed rocky outcrops of limestone. Marked purple on the attached map. The Cuilcagh Way is managd by the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.

Start Point:
H177349

Finish Point:
H120336

Route:
The Cuilcagh Way is a waymarked route that stretches for 33km through a breath taking patchwork of habitats in southern Fermanagh. The route can be walked in sections and provides stunning views, fascinating geology, mystifying wildlife, captivating archaeology and natural history: enough to whet anyone’s appetite for adventure.  The initial part of the walk from the Florence Court Visitor Centre car park 1 skirts around the grounds of Florence Court House which enjoys a majestic countryside setting. The charming 18th century mansion offers guided tours and the estate provides good facilities for relaxation and refreshment in the Stables Tearoom before pressing on with your walk. When starting your walk from the car park, follow the Florence Court waymarked red trail, for the next few kilometres it takes you along narrow tracks which twist and turn an undulating course past mixed deciduous woodland crossing the Larganess River in several places, the constant burbling of the river making this section a delight. As you reach the edge of the forest you will pick up the trail sign for the Cuilcagh Way (Florence Court Forest Trail). Things get a little more rugged as you traverse across open farmland edged with dry stone walls. If you are vigilant, you may spot the elusive Irish hare. Larger than rabbits, adult hares have black tips on their ears and their longer back legs give them a distinctive walk or ‘lope’. Gortmaconnell Rock is a prominent feature on the landscape ahead, the trail skirts around the base of the hill to descend to the country road. The last 1.5km stretch of your journey will take you along the Marlbank country road to the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre.

Distance:
4.5 miles

Terrain:
gravel track, country road

Point of interest:
Florence Court House, Gortmaconnell Rock

Facilities:
Tearooms, shop, picnic area, playground, and toilets are all available in Florence Court Estate

Publication:
Cuilcagh Way A Walker's Guide

Publication availability:
Available from Marble Arch Caves or Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre

Nearest town:
Enniskillen

OS map:
Sheet 26 (1:50 000)

Accessible terrain:
Farmland path, gravel tracks and country road

Accessible signage:
Way marked along the whole route