A 5km looped pathway in the Devenish area of Enniskillen has officially reached completion.

Work has finished on the final phase of 'The Wide Awake Way', delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) and Devenish Partnership Forum.

Approximately £346,000 was invested in the area via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Landfill Community Fund and Sport NI.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, opened the pathway with representatives from the funders, LELP Programme Board and Devenish Partnership Forum.

Works included widening and regrading of the current path, construction of new sections of path linking to the existing path network between Erne Health Centre, Erne Campus, Donnelly's Field and the Cornagrade Road; before joining in with an existing path along Irvinestown Road and Racecourse Lough. In addition to the path works, the project included the installation of trail heads and interpretive signage highlighting historical points of interest along the route.

-- Advertisement --

The pathway offers visitors the opportunity to walk, run or cycle along the beautiful shoreline while taking in this interpretative signage along the way.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: "I am delighted that works on 'The Wide Awake Way' project are now complete. The improved pathway will provide a shared use space for walking, running and cycling around the Devenish area of Enniskillen. The additional features of the trail heads and interpretive signage will ensure that anyone using the path is connected to nature and the history and heritage of the town. The Council is committed to ensuring our people are healthy and well – physically, mentally and emotionally. The development of this connected pathway will provide opportunities for people to get outdoors and be active."

Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of Sport NI commented: "'The Wide Awake Way' will provide a much-needed location for sport and physical activity in the local community. We are proud to have provided funding for the pathway in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, the Landfill Communities Fund and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. At Sport NI we believe in the power of sport to change lives. Sport and physical activity are powerful tools to support our emotional, mental and physical well-being and this pathway will encourage more people of all ages to get out and get active."

Elmarie Swanepoel, Programme Manager of Lough Erne Landscape Partnership added: "The Wide Awake Way offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich natural, built and cultural heritage of Enniskillen. 18 points of interest have been highlighted on the trail heads and interpretation boards along the route, including information on the Enniskillen Workhouse, the sunken cargo boat, the Wide Awake, the Paupers Graveyard, Torii gate and many others. A beautiful walk along the shoreline, with such much to see and learn along the way."

The entire 5km looped path network is fully open and the heritage walking guide and map is available from Enniskillen Castle or Lough Erne Landscape Partnership office.