TAKE TO THE ROAD AND EXPLORE... Once upon a time there was a magical fairy well. Everyone knew that the well had to be protected from sunlight and it was always kept covered. Early one morning, a young girl met her lover at the well. They drank from the crystal clear water and agreed to run away together. In their haste they forgot to cover the fairy well but before they could run back the first beams of the rising sun hit the surface of the water. Suddenly the well started to bubble up and overflow. The water gushed and gushed until the whole plain was covered and that is how the lakes of Leitrim and Fermanagh were born...Or so the story goes. And if the truth were told, it’s a bit more interesting than melting ice. But then, West of Ireland’s timeless landscape and rich historical legacy have fired the imagination of storytellers for centuries. Welcome to a corner of Ireland that boasts of its myths and legends, an area that is rich in historic fabric. Discover enigmatic monuments, engraved stones on simple churches, castle walls and castle shells all marking the march of time. Explore the wonders of the natural environment: the forest parks, the award winning Marble Arch caves, or the splendidly preserved National Trust properties. Visit an island monastery, a vintage cycle museum or spend time pottering and pondering round one of the fascinating town trails or a thatched homestead of a revolutionary hero. Cycle carefree alongside a lake or the towpath of a meandering river as it threads its way past miles of breathtaking scenery and unspoilt countryside. Enjoy the music of magical evenings. Listen to a tale well told, a song well sung, applaud a dance well done. Join in, take part, you’re very welcome. Cycling is the perfect way to explore this most scenic and historic of regions. Forest parks, ancient ruins, rugged mountains, and leafy lanes are just a taste of what’s on offer. Combine this with unspoilt nature and unlimited clean fresh air then you really do have a cycling paradise. Go on, discover the magic for yourself!! THE LAKELAND’S TOUR - in conjunction with the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. Saturday The tour begins on Saturday evening with a “meet and greet” in Enniskillen Sunday - today's distance 33ml/52k Leaving Enniskillen you follow quiet side roads taking us through the village of Derrylin and on to Ballyconnell in County Cavan. In the afternoon you cycle past many of the little lakes that are dotted around the beautiful Lakeland countryside as you head to the village of Ballinamore and your stopover for the evening. If it’s a bit of Irish craic your after there are 19 pubs in Ballinamore to choose from. Monday – today’s distance 25mls/40km Cycling on the Kingfisher Trail, the morning starts with a lovely run alongside a canal and continues on quiet back-roads to Carrick-on-Shannon. Roughly half way along the route you pass through Keshcarrigan a little Irish hamlet and if it’s time for a cuppa call into Gerties Canal Stop where you’ll get a great welcome. Tuesday - today’s distance 31mls/48km Following the Kingfisher Trail, today’s cycle takes you on a quiet country road alongside a canal followed by a scenic route along the shore of Lough Allen. A final cross-country run takes us to Belcoo our destination for the evening. Wednesday – today’s distance 23mls/37km Keeping to the Trail you cycle past Lough Macnean and Lough Melvin as you head for Belleek, famous for its pottery and tonight’s stopover. Optional for today is an extended route that takes you to the Atlantic Ocean and the pretty little coastal village of Rossnowlagh in County Donegal. Belleek Pottery is Ireland’s oldest and has produced fine parian china since 1857 Thursday - today’s distance – 30mls/48kms Today you have an option of keeping to the Kingfisher Trail or taking a less hilly route, both of which end up in Pettigo for lunch before heading on to Kesh your stop for the night. Castle Caldwell with its nature reserve and forest trail is worth a visit as are the particularly attractive stone circles at Drumskinny. Friday – today’s distance 31mls/48km From Kesh, staying on the Trail you head to Clareview which offers magnificent views over Lower Lough Erne before cycling through Castle Archdale Country Park. Continuing on you cycle on to Enniskillen with an option of two routes.
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