The wooded glen of Correl Glen climbs through the stunning landscape of west Fermanagh to a viewpoint that commands spectacular panoramic views.

On a clear day a walker at the nearby Lough Navar viewpoint can see the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Blue Stack Mountains of Co Donegal and even glimpse the Sperrin Mountains in Co Tyrone — all from a cliff car park that overlooks the islands and wider landscape that cradles Lower Lough Erne.

A short trail follows a wooded ravine, cut by the Sillees River, before it ascends a small, heath-covered hill to one of two view points, taking in panoramic views of the Carrick Lough and the wider West Fermanagh Scarplands.

Directions

Follow signs for Lough Navar Forest Drive, signposted from the A46 & B82 roads. There is a car park at the entrance to the Lough Navar Forest, at Falls Bridge, which is just opposite the entrance to Correl Glen.

The walk is circular in nature, and can be started in a clockwise or anti-clockwise fashion.

If a clockwise route is taken, the narrow path descends and rises gently as it contours around the small hill, adjacent to the River Sillees on your left.

The path passes through a damp and shady ancient oak woodland, where the branches are draped in luxuriant mosses, lichens and ferns.

At 390m, the path turns steeply to the right and starts its ascent. The damp oak woods of the ravine are now to your right and increasing amounts of purple heather and aromatic bog myrtle and silver birch trees can be seen as the path takes you to the drier, heathland habitat, on the left. There is a wooden bench at situated just off the path on the left. Here, one can take in pleasant views of Carrick Lough and limestone hills of Monawilkin and beyond.

The narrow path continues in its ascent, and the roar of the Sillees River rushing below to the right eventually peters out of earshot to be replaced by singing skylarks on the heath. There are a further two viewpoints — the lower of the two has an interpretation panel outlining the panoramic vista.

The higher viewpoint also offers a seat and panoramic views of Monawilkin and the wilder Fermanagh Scarplands beyond.

On your return to the path, it starts to descend back into the damper oak woods of Correl Glen and the Sillees River. Be aware that the path can be rather steep in places, with hairpin bends as it negotiates the contours to return to the start point.

If an anti-clockwise route of this walk is chosen, then expect a short but tight zig zag climb of about 130m before the path levels out.

THE BACKDROP

Whilst the route is circular and short, no matter what the season there is always something to see in the reserve. The walk starts in the damp and shady ancient oakwoods that hug the steep slope, cut into a ravine by the Sillees River.

Most of the trees and boulders are draped in rich green mosses, lichens and ferns which thrive in this damp, pristine microclimate. Underneath oak, birch, ash and holly trees, a dense undergrowth of wood rush and bilberry bushes also thrives. The narrow path then ascends into an expanse of heathland, dominated by purple heathers and aromatic bog myrtle.

Correl Glen is also host to many species of butterfly and dragonfly. The Silverwashed Fritillary, the largest butterfly in Ireland, may be glimpsed in clearings.

Larger animals such as our native red squirrel, pine marten and otter may be seen passing through the reserve.

Other features of interest in the area include Tully and Monea Castles, both dating from the Plantation period. Both these State Care Monuments are managed by the Environment & Heritage Service. They are signposted off the main Enniskillen to Belleek road, the A42.

Tully Castle is situated on the shore of Lower Lough Erne at Tully Point. The impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn still stand. There is also a lough shore walk and a small exhibition centre with toilets.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on walking or any other outdoor activity, please contact Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN), tel: 028 9030 3930 or walkni.com.

CAAN in association with Belfast Telegraph have provided this information. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. CAAN and Belfast Telegraph, however, cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly.

Walk: Correl Glen National Nature Reserve

Area: Fermanagh Lakelands

Nearest town or village to start: Derrygonnelly Village

Distance: Circular path approximately 0.8km in length.

Terrain: This walk is on mainly unsurfaced paths, which can be steep and uneven in places.

Access Restrictions: There are no access restrictions per se, though the site’s topography and narrow path is largely unsuitable for dogs to be allowed to run free. Please note that the path is narrow in nature, so walking in single file is strongly advised. The path is within an active river ravine, a dynamic and changing environment, where surface water run-off and small landslips may occur. It is advised that young children should be supervised throughout the walk.

Refreshments: Local shops in Derrygonnelly village.

Walk Developed By: Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Map: Sheet 17 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discovery Series, available from LPSNI Map Shop (lpsni.gov.uk)