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Footnotes: Aghanaglack Walk in Ballintempo Forest

Aghanaglack Walk in Ballintempo Forest was one of the top rated routes on WalkNI in 2015
Aghanaglack Walk in Ballintempo Forest was one of the top rated routes on WalkNI in 2015 Aghanaglack Walk in Ballintempo Forest was one of the top rated routes on WalkNI in 2015

Walk Name: Aghanaglack

Walk: Ballintempo Forest

Area: Co Fermanagh

Distance: 7 miles (circular)

Map: Sheet 17 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services at Osni.gov.uk or Nidirect.gov.uk/map-shop-information.

Nearest town to start: Enniskillen

Facilities: Car parking available

Developed By: Developed and maintained by Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.

Terrain: Forest tracks

Responsible Walking: Please remember to practice the principles of 'Leave No Trace' when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit Leavenotraceireland.org.

Walk Description

Discover one of Northern Ireland's hidden gems, Aghanaglack Walk in Ballintempo Forest, one of the top rated routes on WalkNI as chosen by walkers in 2015.

Alghanaglack is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. This circular walk within Ballintempo Forest in west Fermanagh is largely along forest tracks. Ballintempo Forest forms one section of the largest continuous forestry track in Northern Ireland and is steeped in geology, local myths and wildlife; so there is something for everyone.

Keep a look out for upland birds such as merlin and hen harrier.

From the car park, follow the black route, as indicated by the way marked posts as the views open out along the way. The landscape throughout the first section of the walk is predominately blanket bog, previously hand cut for turf, an age old tradition on the island of Ireland.

Continuing further along the track there are glimpses of Cuilcagh Mountain, Fermanagh's highest point, with its distinctive plateau-shape and stepped profile. Soon you will pass Brimstone Rock a large outcrop of sandstone. It is commonly held that Brimstone Rock was used as a mass rock during the 17th Century when Catholic worship was declared illegal.

This is the perfect spot to take a moment to rest on the bench provided and enjoy the forest and lakeside views.

Continue downhill to skirt the reedy shoreline of Lough Blockent and visit Aghnaglack Court Tomb. In its original state the tomb was roofed with large stone slabs and then covered with stones and possibly earth. An elevated site amongst the conifers, it was constructed when there were fewer surrounding trees, allowing for spectacular views across the area. After you have explored follow the meandering forest track through the remaining coniferous plantation back to the car park.

:: This information has been provided by WalkNI.com in association with The Irish News. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, neither WalkNI.com nor The Irish News can accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly. Visit WalkNI.com for route descriptions, maps, and transport and facility information for over 240 quality walks across Northern Ireland.