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Castle Archdale Forest is nestled on the shores of Lower Lough Erne and boasts a network of walking and family cycling trails of various length enabling you to spend as much time as you wish exploring the rich heritage of the forest and the adjoining Country Park.
Starting in Castle Archdale Forest Car Park there are a series of looped walking trails ranging from 1km – 2.5km in length which are low lying, on scenic forest tracks waymarked with on-site interpretation. The Burma Road Trail in Castle Archdale Country Park is wheelchair accessible. For the more adventurous, there is a further network of Trails, walking and family cycling in the adjoining Castle Archdale Country Park and a Community Trail (2.5 km in length) linking the Forest to the nearby village of Lisnarick.
Tom’s Island Walk is a 1.5m/2.5km circular walk which showcases the best of Castle Archdale Forest. The terrain is mostly forest track. The path meanders through deep woodland containing a delightful mixture of coniferous and broadleaved trees which have a unique appearance in all seasons and are abundant with wildflowers in full bloom in the Summer months.
Start off by exploring the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, an impressive fortification built in 1612 when the Archdale family arrived in Ireland from Suffolk, England. The path then leads you along the river before the wide expanse of Lower Lough Erne opens up in front of you.
Skirting the shores of Lower Lough Erne be sure to stop at the picnic or resting areas on Tom’s Island to enjoy the panoramic views over the lake towards White Island and Davy’s Island.
This walk provides you with the best opportunity to glimpse the pine marten, hedgehogs, foxes and red squirrels that you can often hear foraging in the foliage. This area has been identified as an important habitat for red squirrels and is promoted by the Fermanagh Red Squirrel Group.