Project 6: Devenish Community Footpath / Wide Awake Way

The Wide Awake Way provides an opportunity for the local community and visitors alike to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the waterways around Enniskillen. Officially launched, the 5km looped pathway takes locals in the Devenish area on a journey along the shoreline, with such much to see and learn along the way.

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.

This project was delivered in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Devenish Partnership Forum with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Landfill Community Fund and Sport NI.

We have attached digital copies of the map here for your use. If you would like a physical copy of the Wide Awake Way trail map, please contact info@lelp.org.uk and we can organise for one to be left for collection for you.

We are delighted that work has commenced on the development of a 5km (approximate distance) looped route path in the Devenish area of Enniskillen to facilitate shared use for walking, running and cycling. The work is being undertaken by McCusker Contracts Ltd after securing a £289,500 contract for the project, known as ‘The Wide Awake Way’, which is being delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) and Devenish Partnership Forum with funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ulster Wildlife and Sport NI.

Works will include widening and regrading of the current path, construction of new sections of path linking to the existing path net work 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 will include the installation of trail heads and interpretive signage highlighting historical points of interest along the route.

A spokesperson from Devenish Partnership Forum said:

“We are very happy that this partnership project is progressing. These paths connect our community to nature and the new signage will also connect us to our rich history and heritage. “The paths will enhance the existing paths in the area which are so beneficial to health and wellbeing.”

George Lucas, Chair of Sport NI, said:

“The development of this project will enable sports participation in the beautiful Lough Erne landscape, particularly increasing running and cycling which will have a positive impact on participants’s mental and physical health. “This project will provide a unique opportunity to engage in sport whilst being amongst nature and wildlife.”

Elmarie Swanepoel , programme manager of Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, said:

“The Wide Awake Way will provide an opportunity for the local community and visitors alike to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the waterways around Enniskillen.”

Dawn Miskelly, director of development and engagement of Ulster Wildlife, said:

“The development of a high-quality looped route will allow residents of the area direct, doorstep access to a quality and accessible route.”

In order to accommodate construction works, stretches of path will be temporarily closed on dates from now until Friday, October 1.

CLOSED

For all information on the tender please click the link below.

Or if you require any more information please contact Hazel Long on 028 6632 7109 or email hazel.long@rspb.org.uk

https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps/cft/prepareViewCfTWS.do?resourceId=2739562