Quality Walk

Castle Caldwell Forest; Rossergole Point Walk

Rossergole Point Walk is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The walk takes in man-made and natural wonders, including a lime-kiln which hints at the association of the Caldwell estate with the nearby Belleek Pottery, a half-moon limestone bench along the shoreline and the eerie ruins of Castle Caldwell.

County

Fermanagh

Distance

2.5 miles

OS Map

Sheet 17 1:50,000

Nearest Town

Belleek

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest, Lakeland

Terrain

gravel paths, undefined paths

Grid Reference (Start)

H017604

Grid Reference (End)

H017604

Point of Interest

Castle Caldwell ruins, Lime Kiln

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Fermanagh

Route Description

Following the lake shore through wonderful mixed woodland comprising of ash, beech, oak, and holly. This popular path takes in the remnants of the estate’s castle, forts, defence walls, jetties and lime kiln. Walkers who take time to explore the area will find the industrial-scale lime kiln highlighting the importance of the local limestone, once frequently fired in the kiln to produce quicklime, and taken by barge to the nearby town of Belleek. Another interesting feature which may be found at the eastern tip of the peninsula, are the walls of the old strategic defence fort of Rossergole Point. This fortification no doubt played a vital role in protecting and controlling trade along this route. Today the old ruins offer walkers a vantage point for breathtaking views over Lower Lough Erne. Travelling onwards, the southern shore of the peninsula forms part of the Lower Lough Erne Nature Reserve, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The varied habitats within the forest and along this shoreline have attracted many types of birds, including many species of water birds, and songbirds. Continuing onward you will shortly join a forest track where its course carries you through attractive stands of ash trees and into denser forest before taking in the remnants of Castle Caldwell, a prominent feature within the woodland setting. This walk is situated in a working forest and may be temporarily diverted or closed while trees are being harvested so please comply with any safety signage. All Forest Service woodlands are sustainably managed and certified to international standards that demonstrate good environmental, social and economic principles.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Turn off Kesh – Belleek A47 road about 8km from
Belleek into Castle Caldwell Forest. Turn is well signposted. Pass between support walls of old railway bridge, then turn left and later left again into car park.

Facilities

Car parking & picnic facilities. Refreshments available in Belleek village – approximately 8km away

Publication

n/a

Publication Availability

n/a

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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