Florence Court: Riverside and Forest Circuit, County Fermanagh

Start at Car Park 1 beside the National Trust visitor centre at Florence Court, southwest of Enniskillen. This roughly 7.2 km circuit combines the riverside forest paths, the Red Trail hillside section and the Killymanamly return loop. Allow about two and a half hours for the uneven river paths, steep woodland climb and a few short stops.

Walk past visitor reception, cross the bridge and turn left towards the admission hut. Cross the estate drive carefully, then follow the woodland path past Lady's Well. Join the shared trail beside Broad Meadow, where the parkland opens towards the house. At the Red and Blue Trail junction near the Irish yew, take the Red Trail into the forest. Follow the riverside path upstream and use the signed footbridges, keeping to the path rather than the nearby estate and forest roads.

At the upper end of the Riverside Walk, follow the Red Trail turns onto the hill section. A steep climb leads into the higher forest with views across Fermanagh where the trees and weather allow. Keep on the estate circuit instead of extending onto the Ulster or Cuilcagh Way. Descend past the Kennel Field and cross Eel House Bridge. Turn left after the bridge for the Killymanamly woodland loop, then return towards the Walled Garden and visitor centre.

Expect gravel and forest tracks, narrow uneven earth paths, small bridges and some steep slopes. Sturdy walking footwear is useful, particularly after rain. The whole circuit is unsuitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility. Some estate paths are shared with cyclists and horse riders. Keep dogs under close control, respect wildlife and obey any forest operations signs.

Vehicle entry is through the Grand Gates on Mill Road, with exit through the forest park onto Marble Arch Road. The National Trust currently directs visitors to Car Park 1 only. Grounds admission applies; National Trust members enter free. Toilets are at the visitor centre and stableyard, with a tearoom on the estate. Check date-specific opening times and any notices before travelling, and finish before the estate gates close.

Route and visitor information: National Trust Florence Court Red Trail map and visitor guidance, checked 4 October 2026: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court/florence-court-red-trail and https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court . Forest access information: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/florence-court-forest-park

Photograph: Forest Trail, Florence Court Demesne, © Oliver Dixon, taken 20 September 2008. Geograph image 984324: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/984324 . CC BY-SA 2.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ . Original image uploaded without edits; display resizing or cropping may occur. It shows nearby estate woodland, not an instruction to follow the informal path in the photograph.