Portora Lock LUSTY MORE LUSTY BEG B136 GR H110 616 GR H111 622 EDGEWATER HOLIDAY PARK NORTH OF J J GR H157 647 A46 BELLEEK MARINA MUCKROSS Republic Race GR H943 588 www.lustybegisland.com A J of Ireland Course GR H162 641 Northern Lough J CASTLECALDWELL Ireland GR H014 605 KESH J J GR H179 639 A47 LINKS Seasonal toilet & shower access J A32 TO Town facilities 200m walk Café limited opening during winter Access to Belleek pottery at A35 www.forestserviceni.gov.uk Camping Tel: +44 (0) 028 8676 7022 10 8 GR H943 588 7 Alternative parking and jetty on CREVINISHAUGHY NORTH south side of river at GR H175 637 9 Assaroe Lake LOWER GR H163 603 J LAKESIDE CENTRE CASTLE ARCHDALE FOREST 6 Fire B80 Station GR H888 611 LOUGH BECOMES ROUGH IN STRONG WINDS GR H180 600 5 Lakeland A46 Forum A47 CREVINISHAUGHY EAST J 4 GR H164 596 Key to Symbols 3 No road access to jetty J www.forestserviceni.gov.uk 2 River Erne Slipway Access Canoe & Kayak Hire WHITE ISLAND NORTH Duross www.lakesidecaravanandcamping.com ROI Border GR H175 599 Point T: 00 353 (0)71 9852822 Duff CASTLE ARCHDALE Shore Access Rossole NI ROSCOR Point Lough J A GR H991 588 MAGHO COUNTRY PARK Jetty J

A4 J GR H063 584 B82 GR H173 589 Ardhowen DAVEY’S ISLAND Arts Centre J Tully Parking

A4 1 B52 Point GR H174 593 J ROSSIGH Caravan & Camp Site A GR H179 556 Rough Camping 55 GR H127 565 INISH DAVAR J B81 GR H179 550 Toilets, fresh water, Bothy Enniskillen Town Centre CULCARRICK shop & café - summer only J Camping 500m from water Access Points Camping by permission of Castle Archdale www.doeni.gov.uk/niea Hostel/Youth Hostel Country Park Tel: +44 (0) 28 6862 1588 www.castlearchdale.com DRUMCROW Camping Tel: +44 (0) 28 6862 1333 Suitable Picnic Site 1 ARDHOWEN GR H243 432 J GR H130 557 ROSSCLARE GR H186 544 Shop J J CAMAGH BAY Lifeboat 2 ERNESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE GR H237 437 90 95 00 05 10 station 30 35 40 GR H161 537 Lodge J Toilets 3 LAKELAND FORUM GR H233 438 J Leisure Centre Facilities INISHMACSAINT Point J GR H167 542 4 REGAL PASS GR H235 438 J Access to footbridge & bus station LADY OF THE LAKE Fresh water J GR H195 540 SLIGO ROAD GR H229 440 J Telephone 5 B46 J J 6 CASTLE ISLAND GR H231 440 Shower A32 QUEENS STREET GR H233 444 J 50 CARRICKREAGH 7 HAY ISLAND Public house J GR H176 521 8 CHERRY ISLAND GR H234 444 J GR H203 532 J Cafe/restaurant 9 HENRY STREET GR H229 441 J 10 ROUND O GR H229 445 J A46 Historical Building Tourist Information A GR H227 477 Hospital Restricted Access DEVENISH ISLAND EAST Nesting/Wintering Birds The following islands on Lough Erne are important sites for breeding birds and as such GR H226 470 Shop located 1km ARDHOWEN THEATRE J from water Local Walks should be avoided between March and August: A32 GR H243 432 Toilets at GR H223 468 J Towns or Residential areas Lower Lough Erne: Cleenishgarve, Cleenishmean, Inishmackill, Gay Island, Ferny Island South, PORTORA LOCK GATES 45 Access points A White Island South, Horse Island by , Rabbit Island, Hare Island, Cruninish Island, CORRACLOONA GR H222 453 GR H014 423 ROUND O ENNISKILLEN www.ardhowentheatre.com Gravel Ridge Island, Stallion Cows, Screegan Island, Lusty More (except for the footpath J GR H229 445 Ferry Routes from the jetty), White Island North (except for jetty and the area around the church ruins), J GR H234 439 KILLYHEVLIN HOTEL Direction of Flow Muckinish, Rosscor Island. Access here for Enniskillen Castle GR H246 424 GR H231 442 J All of the above islands and those following are inhabited by cattle, including bulls, from LOUGH MACNEAN UPPER RUSHIN HOUSE CASTLE ISLAND A April to November. Caution is advised when accessing these islands: Corralea Activity Centre GR H068 393 GR H231 440 LINKS TO Snipe www.activityireland.com A4 Devenish (except by the monument), Inishmore (except by the church ruins). KILROOSCAGH J J THE SILLEES Facilities part of hotel complex Trawnish RIVER www.killyhevlin.com Island GR H058 398 TAMLAGHT B52 R218 J A4 Camping Tel: +44 (0) 28 6638 6519 Earning a Welcome 40 COTTAGE LAWN A GR H087 386 GR H236 391 1. Please be friendly and polite to local residents and other water users. Copse MONEYDUFF Point 2. Drive with care and consideration and park sensibly. A4 GR H024 390 3. Change clothing discreetly, preferably out of public view. J B514 4. Gain permission before accessing private property. Bellaneck Marina

A50 Lifeboat station Cushrush River 500m to 5. Minimise your impact on the natural environment and use recognised access points. There are also many Island N16 A 9 GR H295 375 unofficial access points along the shore, which may be used with the owner’s consent. GR H065 377 NI

B ROI o 6. Be sensitive to wildlife and other users regarding the level of noise you create. rde B195 Innishmore J r CARRYBRIDGE HOTEL 7. Observe wildlife from a distance and be aware of sensitive locations such as nesting birds and wintering flocks. LOUGH MACNEAN LOWER GR H295 375 8. Outdoor Recreation NI supports the principles of Leave No Trace and encourages others to do the same when Belle Isle

taking part in outdoor recreation. For more information please visit www.leavenotraceireland.org. 35 KILMORE 9. Keep the numbers in your party consistent with safety, the nature of the water conditions and the impact GR H337 311 [email protected] J on your surroundings. Difficult slip access 10. Wild camping should be carried out discreetly, in small parties, and for overnight stays only. FLOW OF UPPER 11. Have respect for anglers - keep well clear of anglers fishing from banks and boats. Avoid shallow gravel areas NAAN ISLAND GR H302 319 LINKS TO of rivers where salmon and trout may spawn, especially from November to January. J COLEBROOK A34 This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with relevant OSNI 1:25,000 or 1;50,000 maps & L RIVER 12. Take care to avoid spreading invasive species. For more advice see www.invasivespeciesireland.com OWER LOUGH ERNE SMITH’S STRAND TIRAROE A Provision for people with disabilities B127 GR H342 294 GR H306 299 Accommodation All sites with slips cater for disability access with varying degrees depending on A509 A range of self catering, B&B and hotels are available along the trail. For a full list of the water level. It is recommended to check before starting a journey. QUAY A J accommodation providers please visit www.canoeni.com or This guide is available on request in alternative formats. GR H279 313 www.discovernorthernireland.com or contact Tourist Information Centre. CORRADILLAR SHARE DISCOVERY VILLAGE Disclaimer J GR H329 283 GR H341 294 Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication. TRANNISH ISLAND BOTHY J Outdoor Recreation NI and its partner organisations cannot however accept GR H323 290 Canoe Hire and Canoe Tours responsibility for errors or omissions, but where such are brought to our attention, future www.sharevillage.org Innish Rath For up-to-date canoe hire and guiding please visit www.canoeni.com publications will be amended accordingly. Canoeing may by its nature be hazardous and LADY CRAIGAVON BRIDGE Camping Tel: +44 (0) 28 6772 2122 For bothy bookings and camping permission GR H331 280 contact Share Discovery Village www.sharevillage.org DERRYADD involve risk; training is essential for safe participation. It is recommended to take out Tel: +44 (0)28 6772 2122 personal accident insurance. Users must undertake and act on their own risk GR H340 273 40M Portage to water J assessments prior to use of any access site or waterway and review and update during Camping UPPER LOUGH ERNE BUN BRIDGE For up-to-date details of official campsites and rough camping opportunities use. The guide must be used in conjunction with an ordnance survey 1:25,000 or GEAGLUM B533 GR H386 251 Camping on Trannish Island please visit www.canoeni.com 1:50,000 map. Neither the publishers, funders, contributors, landowners, site managers, 27 GR H336 265 J

riparian owners nor agents of the aforementioned can be held responsible for any loss, B1 J injury or inconvenience sustained by any person or persons as a result of information, CROM Red Squirrel guidance or advice given in or omitted from this guide. A GR H370 238 TRINITY SLIP J Further Information Acknowledgements GR H355 238 Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism T: +44 (0)28 6632 3110 Design www.thinkstudio.co.uk www.fermanaghlakelands.com open mid March to This project has been developed by end Oct River Erne Trail updates: Any changes to the canoe trail that may occur will be updated on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.canoeni.com. Please email any feedback to [email protected] Camping Tel: +44 (0) 28 6773 8118 OI I Border R N Other Resources LINKS TO RIVER FINN Canoe Trails www.canoeni.com WOODFORD RIVER LINKS TO LIMERICK VIA SHANNON-ERNE WATERWAY AGHALANE Canoe Association of www.cani.org.uk N3 GR H344 197 GALLOON ISLAND Outdoor NI www.outdoorni.com Other project partners include: The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland and Share J GR H391 227 Outdoor Recreation NI www.outdoorrecreationni.com GR H363 172 J (Navigation Authority) www.waterwaysireland.org Discovery Village. J

Outdoor Recreation NI is core funded by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure, Northern Trannish Island Bothy NIEA Water Pollution Hotline Freephone 0800 807060 5 Kilometres BELTURBET LINKS TO Ireland Environment Agency, Northern Ireland Tourist Board & Sport Northern Ireland. Short walk to facilities & LOUGH GOWNA

Davar (GR H179 550) just a short distance off shore. shore. off distance short a just 550) H179 (GR Davar

Janus Figure, Boa Island Boa Figure, Janus restaurant. More secluded camping is available on Inish Inish on available is camping secluded More restaurant.

access point offers camping with a facilities block and a a and block facilities a with camping offers point access

such conditions such

series of red and white navigation marks. This designated designated This marks. navigation white and red of series

heavy rain so this is best left to experienced paddlers in in paddlers experienced to left best is this so rain heavy

wind direction. The entrance to Rossigh is marked by a a by marked is Rossigh to entrance The direction. wind

The river section after Belleek can be fast flowing after after flowing fast be can Belleek after section river The

slipway and jetty right beside the car park for easy egress. easy for park car the beside right jetty and slipway route selection should be made according to the prevailing prevailing the to according made be should selection route

where a 200 metre portage allows access to Assaroe Lake. Lake. Assaroe to access allows portage metre 200 a where

river before the Lakeland Forum Building where there is a a is there where Building Forum Lakeland the before river maze of islands, bays and sheltered channels and therefore therefore and channels sheltered and bays islands, of maze

getting out on the right hand (northern) side of the river river the of side (northern) hand right the on out getting

Car Park (GR H232 438). Turn right up a side channel of the the of channel side a up right Turn 438). H232 (GR Park Car Continuing north again there are several routes through a a through routes several are there again north Continuing

old railway bridge to arrive at the Cliff power station, station, power Cliff the at arrive to bridge railway old

Alternatively you can end your trip at the Lakeland Forum Forum Lakeland the at trip your end can you Alternatively

canoeists pass through a disused eel and under an an under and fishery eel disused a through pass canoeists

Nearby Trory offers access and a wild camp site. camp wild a and access offers Trory Nearby

amenities. Staying close to the right hand bank of the river, river, the of bank hand right the to close Staying amenities.

kept watch over the river since 1611. 1611. since river the over watch kept founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th Century. Century. 6th the in here settlement monastic a founded

where the Lakeside Centre offers camping and visitor visitor and camping offers Centre Lakeside the where

Watergate on Enniskillen Castle. Built by William Cole, it has has it Cole, William by Built Castle. Enniskillen on Watergate of Fermanagh’s cultural and spiritual life. Saint Molaise Molaise Saint life. spiritual and cultural Fermanagh’s of

in the Ireland of Republic the in to border the across Assaroe Lake Assaroe

of the town and provides an excellent location to view The The view to location excellent an provides and town the of nish Island, originally called Ox Island, was once the centre centre the once was Island, Ox called originally Island, nish

from Belleek at the north west end of Lower Lough Erne Erne Lough Lower of end west north the at Belleek from

on Castle Island which is uniquely situated right at the heart heart the at right situated uniquely is which Island Castle on navigation aid against the countryside background. Deve- background. countryside the against aid navigation

For the adventurous, it is possible to extend your journey journey your extend to possible is it adventurous, the For

On reaching Enniskillen rough overnight camping is available available is camping overnight rough Enniskillen reaching On tower visible well before arrival, therefore offering a great great a offering therefore arrival, before well visible tower

way towards Devenish Island, with its 81 foot 12th century century 12th foot 81 its with Island, Devenish towards way

www.cavancanoeing. www.cavancanoeing.

Fine Parian China. Parian Fine 396), a popular local eatery and bar. and eatery local popular a 396), The river widens again into Lower Lough Erne and winds its its winds and Erne Lough Lower into again widens river The

offers trip advice, hire and guided paddles - - paddles guided and hire advice, trip offers Belleek, home to the world famous Belleek Pottery and its its and Pottery Belleek famous world the to home Belleek, option just slightly downstream is The Moorings (GR H234 H234 (GR Moorings The is downstream slightly just option

to Upper Lough Erne. The local canoe centre at Carratraw Carratraw at centre canoe local The Erne. Lough Upper to

it is possible to paddle to the bustling border village of of village border bustling the to paddle to possible is it away and offers a well stocked local shop. Another great great Another shop. local stocked well a offers and away the channel to pass through the lock. lock. the through pass to channel the

preferred direction of travel is with the flow from Oughter Oughter from flow the with is travel of direction preferred

which it is situated is well worth exploring. Continuing west west Continuing exploring. worth well is situated is it which lunch stop. The village of Bellanaleck is only a 500m walk walk 500m a only is Bellanaleck of village The stop. lunch bank when paddling downstream as this allows you to use use to you allows this as downstream paddling when bank

tiny island in Lough Oughter is well worth a visit. The The visit. a worth well is Oughter Lough in island tiny

Caldwell. Although the castle is now ruined, the estate in in estate the ruined, now is castle the Although Caldwell. the shortest. Bellanaleck Jetty (GR H236 391) is an excellent excellent an is 391) H236 (GR Jetty Bellanaleck shortest. the along this river section and it is important to keep to the left left the to keep to important is it and section river this along

impressive 13th century Clogh Oughter Castle perched on a on perched Castle Oughter Clogh century 13th impressive

In the north west corner of the Lower Lough is Castle Castle is Lough Lower the of corner west north the In choice of routes to Enniskillen with the western branch being being branch western the with Enniskillen to routes of choice food. The Portora Lock Gates (GR H222 453) are situated situated are 453) H222 (GR Gates Lock Portora The food.

including whooper swans and great crested grebes. The grebes. crested great and swans whooper including

of Enniskillen. This flat water river offers a a offers river water flat This Enniskillen. of town county perching on overhanging trees from which they can dive for for dive can they which from trees overhanging on perching

result of a flooded drumlin landscape, is rich in birdlife in rich is landscape, drumlin flooded a of result

Continue trending north west along the river towards the the towards river the along west north trending Continue Sandwich terns. terns. Sandwich riverbank. Kingfishers can often be spotted along the banks, banks, the along spotted be often can Kingfishers riverbank.

in County . This complex of lakes, the the lakes, of complex This Cavan. County in Lough Gowna Lough

Cowes have the ’s only inland colony of of colony inland only Kingdom’s United the have Cowes narrows and becomes flanked by tall trees on the left hand hand left the on trees tall by flanked becomes and narrows

and to sytem Erne main the links Belturbet, Lough Oughter Lough

locals for food and drink. drink. and food for locals The small islands such as Gravel Ridge Island and Stallion Stallion and Island Ridge Gravel as such islands small The The main route continues downstream and the river river the and downstream continues route main The

The River Erne, flowing into Upper Lough Erne from Erne Lough Upper into flowing Erne, River The

hotel is a popular spot with with spot popular a is hotel bulbous eyes and crossed arms has baffled many people. people. many baffled has arms crossed and eyes bulbous

Whether a resident or not, the the not, or resident a Whether This three foot high, two headed, carved Celtic stone with its its with stone Celtic carved headed, two high, foot three This circumnavigate the island town. island the circumnavigate

favours this direction of travel. of direction this favours

Hotel on the western bank. bank. western the on Hotel ). ). 619 H085 (GR Figure Janus the to home and mystery Celtic station, passing Cherry Island, which will allow you to to you allow will which Island, Cherry passing station,

Leitrim to Upper Lough Erne as flow along river sections sections river along flow as Erne Lough Upper to Leitrim

is available at the Carrybridge Carrybridge the at available is island in Ireland a few miles west of Muckross is shrouded in in shrouded is Muckross of west miles few a Ireland in island river paddling clockwise around the back of the police police the of back the around clockwise paddling river

the way to Limerick. Most canoeists chose to paddle from from paddle to chose canoeists Most Limerick. to way the

Alternatively, accommodation accommodation Alternatively, shores of the ‘broad lough’. Boa Island, the largest inland inland largest the Island, Boa lough’. ‘broad the of shores As an extension to your trip, you can choose to follow the the follow to choose can you trip, your to extension an As

Beyond this, it is possible to follow the waterway south all south waterway the follow to possible is it this, Beyond

fresh water are available here. here. available are water fresh There are a few other areas well worth exploring around the the around exploring worth well areas other few a are There The police station is visible on the right hand riverbank. riverbank. hand right the on visible is station police The

lead to Leitrim in the Republic of Ireland, some 63 km away. km 63 some Ireland, of Republic the in Leitrim to lead

375). A basic toilet block and and block toilet basic A 375). be some flow here after a reasonable amount of rainfall. rainfall. of amount reasonable a after here flow some be

, where a series of rivers, lakes and canal cuts canal and lakes rivers, of series a where , Waterway

east side of the river (GR H295 H295 (GR river the of side east River which leads to the picturesque village of Kesh. Kesh. of village picturesque the to leads which River large road bridges keeping left under the arches. There can can There arches. the under left keeping bridges road large

paddle along the Woodford River to join the the join to River Woodford the along paddle Shannon Erne Shannon

north side of the bridge on the the on bridge the of side north weather, and situated near the mouth of the Glendurragh Glendurragh the of mouth the near situated and weather, Passing the Watergate continue downstream under two two under downstream continue Watergate the Passing

From the southern end of Upper Lough Erne it is possible to possible is it Erne Lough Upper of end southern the From few tents is available on the the on available is tents few access point at Muckross, a popular bathing area in good good in area bathing popular a Muckross, at point access

A small rough campsite for a a for campsite rough small A From White Island North continue north towards the final final the towards north continue North Island White From across the river but never reached the other side. other the reached never but river the across

Erne system. Erne

caution when approaching. approaching. when caution that look pagan in origin but date to the 9th or 10th century. century. 10th or 9th the to date but origin in pagan look that wounded in battle by an arrow and attempted to swim swim to attempted and arrow an by battle in wounded

the Loughs as part of a longer expedition along the along expedition longer a of part as Loughs the

summer months so exercise exercise so months summer of a 13th century church and seven enigmatic stone figures figures stone enigmatic seven and church century 13th a of after an ancient warrior Kathleen who is said to have been been have to said is who Kathleen warrior ancient an after

advised direction of travel for paddlers wanting to explore explore to wanting paddlers for travel of direction advised

waterskiing location during the the during location waterskiing White Island will bring you further back in time to the ruins ruins the to time in back further you bring will Island White The island town of Enniskillen or Inis Ceithleann is named named is Ceithleann Inis or Enniskillen of town island The

northern channels of Upper Lough Erne and this is the the is this and Erne Lough Upper of channels northern

Carrybridge is a popular popular a is Carrybridge After your trip through modern history a short paddle to to paddle short a history modern through trip your After e l t Cas en ll i k is Enn gate, ter Wa e h T

The Arney River flows from Lower Lough MacNean to the to MacNean Lough Lower from flows River Arney The

Enniskillen to Rossigh Rossigh to Enniskillen

which together provide all necessary visitor amenities. visitor necessary all provide together which in the 15th century. 15th the in Ulster refuelling jetties and service area. service and jetties refuelling

the two are the quaint border villages of Becloo and Blacklion and Becloo of villages border quaint the are two the site where Cathal Og MacManus compiled the Annals of of Annals the compiled MacManus Og Cathal where site the marina entrance you can paddle to the remains of the the of remains the to paddle can you entrance marina the

open meadows of the Lower Lough and situated between situated and Lough Lower the of meadows open originally the seat of the MacManus clan and famous as the the as famous and clan MacManus the of seat the originally Catalina and Sunderland flying boats. To the north east of of east north the To boats. flying Sunderland and Catalina

wooded shores of Upper Lough MacNean contrast with the with contrast MacNean Lough Upper of shores wooded woodland. Continue past the west of Belle Isle Estate, Estate, Isle Belle of west the past Continue woodland. war, Castle Archdale was a Coastal Command base for for base Command Coastal a was Archdale Castle war,

Cushrush Island the crannog is dated to 500BC. The 500BC. to dated is crannog the Island Cushrush the river section otherwise difficult to identify amongst the the amongst identify to difficult otherwise section river the equipped campsite and amenities. During the 1939-1945 1939-1945 the During amenities. and campsite equipped

archeological sites including raths and early crannogs; at crannogs; early and raths including sites archeological recording station which is a great marker for the start of of start the for marker great a is which station recording Archdale Country Park is a hive of activity with a well well a with activity of hive a is Park Country Archdale

The valley has a rich historical legacy with many significant many with legacy historical rich a has valley The entrance to this section is marked by a white water level level water white a by marked is section this to entrance which is clearly indicated by a large white cairn. Castle Castle cairn. white large a by indicated clearly is which

escarpments of Hanging Rock and Belmore Mountain. Belmore and Rock Hanging of escarpments and Belle Isle which will bring you via Carrybridge. The The Carrybridge. via you bring will which Isle Belle and until you reach Castle Archdale Marina, the entrance of of entrance the Marina, Archdale Castle reach you until

long, narrow loughs are flanked by the steep limestone steep the by flanked are loughs narrow long, Inishmore Viaduct or preferably east between Inishmore Inishmore between east preferably or Viaduct Inishmore along the eastern shoreline. There is little infrastructure infrastructure little is There shoreline. eastern the along

excavated by large glaciers millions of years ago. These ago. years of millions glaciers large by excavated options to pass by Inishmore Island. Either west under the the under west Either Island. Inishmore by pass to options . The main designated access points are are points access designated main The . kept for a calm day calm a for kept

enjoy a dramatic setting in a valley a in setting dramatic a enjoy Lower Lough MacNean Lough Lower approached with caution in strong winds. There are two two are There winds. strong in caution with approached strong winds - - winds strong so this is an area best left to the experts or or experts the to left best area an is this so

Lying approximately 15km west of Lough Erne, Erne, Lough of west 15km approximately Lying Upper and Upper of water on the Upper Lough so this journey is best best is journey this so Lough Upper the on water of locals as the ‘broad lough’ which can become very rough in in rough very become can which lough’ ‘broad the as locals

Knockninny to Inishmore island is the only expansive piece piece expansive only the is island Inishmore to Knockninny North of Rossigh marks the beginning of an area known by by known area an of beginning the marks Rossigh of North

other waterways waterways other

Knockninny to Enniskillen Enniskillen to Knockninny Lough MacNean and links to to links and MacNean Lough Muckross to Rossigh

Devenish Tower Devenish

Lough MacNean Lough Lower Lough Erne Lough Lower Kingfisher

FalF lllowlooww DeDeerer Safety Canoeing is an adventure sport and as such should be treated with respect. If you are new to the sport it is advisable to contact the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) or a club where expert cano e coaching and local knowledge can be provided. Details can be found TRAI LS at www.cani.org.uk When taking part in canoeing consider the following safety advice: 1. Attending a recognised training course to develop skills and to acquire safety and environmental knowledge is very important for safe paddling. Crom to Knockninny 2. It is recommended that canoeists consult the relevant maps and obtain up to date information on weather before planning a trip. Lough Erne The National Trust property Crom Estate provides an ideal 3. CANI recommends that paddlers leave details of their journey location to begin your journey. Slipway and jetty facilities with a responsible adult based on the shore. Canoe Trail provide easy access to the water with car parking available 4. Carry adequate basic safety equipment - spare clothes, extra close by. Camping is available for those who want to arrive food, warm drink, form of shelter, First Aid kit, means of the night before in order to make an early start. communication (VHF Radio, mobile phone), torch and whistle. Fermanagh’s lakes provide the ideal destination for 5. Carry and know how to use a map and compass canoeing. This 50 kilometre trail spans both Upper 6. Wear appropriate buoyancy in the form of a personal lifejacket and Lower Lough Erne providing excellent opportunities for The estate and surrounding area is perhaps best viewed by or buoyancy aid. Canoe buoyancy should be sufficient to keep wild camping along the way. water so be sure to allow time to take in the many historic the canoe afloat if you capsize. attractions. After launching, paddle west following the Uppp erer Lououo ghgh ErnErnne 7. It is not recommended to canoe alone - three boats is the shoreline past the remains of the 17th century Crom Castle minimum required for most rescues. (destroyed in a fire), where it is possible to pull up on the 8. Be aware of other water users such as sailing boats and cruisers. shore right beside the ruins. A short walk will take you to Canoeists should make allowance for the limitations and needs of The Lough Erne Canoe Trail is one of the most popular canoe the famous ancient yew tree, believed to be over 800 larger craft that are less manoeuvrable and may be restricted to trails in Northern Ireland because it is suitable for such a wide years old and one of the oldest in Ireland. deep water channels. range of abilities. As with all canoe trails in Northern Ireland, 9. The Lower Lough can become very rough in strong winds - access to the water is free and no licence is required. Continuing north west, a short paddle further along the carrying rafting poles is a sensible precaution as rafted canoes are more stable in rough conditions. shoreline brings into view the exquisite 19th century 10. Channel markers are indicated on the 1:25,000 OSNI Activity Map The maze of bays, narrow channels of slow moving water boathouse, formerly headquarters of the Lough Erne Yacht and are a useful navigation aid. and innumerable islands and peninsulas in Upper Lough Erne Club. The 19th century Crom Castle, home of Lord Erne, offer a superb venue for families or those embarking on their provides a stunning backdrop. You can continue to paddle Winds and Weather first canoe trip. along the eastern shoreline of Inisherk and under the White A comprehensive weather forecast can be obtained from the BBC Bridge but it is recommended to briefly retrace your tracks website news.bbc.co.uk/weather or from the Met Office Lower Lough Erne, north of Rossigh, is known by locals as the to take in Crichton Tower on Gad Island, an impressive folly. www.metoffice.gov.uk ‘broad lough’ and can become very rough in strong winds, so this is an area best left to experts. From here the route north Non-emergency contacts west past Trinity Church on Police non-emergency (Northern Ireland) 0845 600 8000 The Erne System flows from south to north, that is, from the Derryvore peninsula is Belfast Coastguard non-emergency +44 (0)28 9146 3933 Upper Lough Erne to Lower Lough Erne. The flow is flanked on either side by insignificant on the lough sections where wind direction is a ancient woodland. This Emergencies much more important consideration and therefore this should tranquil area offers a great In the event of an emergency - Dial 999 or 112 to contact not impact on your decision of which direction to travel. opportunity to view Grey VHF Radio Channel 16 Coastguard, police and ambulance. Use to Heron fishing from the contact Coastguard There is a small flow along the River Erne section through banks and if you are really Useful Maps Enniskillen. It is possible to paddle ‘upstream’ most of the fortunate, deer and wild year, however flow can become significant during periods goats may be spotted Maps available from Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre of high rainfall so it is wise to check conditions in advance. drinking from the lough. OSNI Lough Erne Activity Map 1:25,000 The Arney River flows west to east from Lough MacNean OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 17 Lower Lough Erne Lower to Upper Lough Erne and is faster flowing Grade CroCroommB Boatathouhhoouuses Inish Rath is a unique OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 18 Enniskillen 1 water. stop-off point. The island is OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 27 Upper Lough Erne home to a thriving Hare Krishna community and visitors are OSNI Discoverer Map Series 1:50,000 Sheet 26 GreGGrrer yyH Heeron The islands and quiet shores of Lough welcome, however it is best to make contact in advance. Erne are ideal for wild camping, making Access can be gained via jetties on the island's western Camping on Lough Erne it perfect for those seeking a true shore. After passing under Lady Craigavon Bridge, Trannish There are many official camping and caravan sites situated around wilderness experience. Wildlife Island offers a bothy and campsite which can be booked in Upper and Lower Lough Erne however only those with shore access highlights include kingfishers, otters advance via the nearby Share Discovery Village at Smith’s are shown on the map. Contact telephone numbers are provided and and grey herons whilst numerous Strand where camping with facilities is also available. prior booking is advisable, booking fees vary. Rough camping is historic lough-side features such as the possible at many of the access points and is suitable for discreet iconic Devenish Tower, Crom Estate and From Trannish Island there are several routes which can overnight camping for small groups only. See www.canoeni.com for Enniskillen Castle are well worth a visit. be taken to Knockninny through a maze of islands with comprehensive information on camping opportunities. native woodlands. A great reference point is Knockninny Invasive Species Hill where the Maguire chieftains once had their castle. Knockninny offers a camp site to the south of the In order to help protect against the spread of invasive species in Gad Island Crichton Tower, Lough Erne and across Northern Ireland, canoeists should check, toilet block. clean and dry clothing and equipment before entering the water and before travelling to other waterways.