Big Dog Forest Walk
County Fermanagh
Big Dog Forest lies on high ground between Derrygonnelly and Belcoo in County Fermanagh, part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, with its hills named after the legendary wolfhounds of Finn Mac Cool, and enough forest track and open hilltop to tire out a real dog. The circular walk from the forest car park on Garrison Road climbs on forest tracks and upland paths past two small lakes, Lough Nabrickboy and Lough Doo, before reaching the Little Dog hilltop, where a 360 degree panorama takes in the surrounding forest, lakes and open countryside. The terrain mixes forest tracks with rougher, looser upland ground, and the route covers around 2.7km with a genuine climb, making it a moderate rather than easy outing despite its modest length. Red deer, herons and dragonflies are among the wildlife recorded on site.
This is a dog friendly walk through varied forest and upland terrain, with plenty of interest for a dog in the mix of woodland scent and open hilltop. Dogs should be kept on a lead, in line with the general approach across Forest Service NI sites, particularly given the red deer known to use the forest. Livestock is not a feature of this route. The two upland lakes give some opportunity to look at water, though the shoreline is not the main focus of the walk, and there is little shade once above the treeline on the climb to Little Dog. Facilities are limited to the car park and picnic area, with the nearest shops, cafes and pubs in Derrygonnelly.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.7 km (1.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Car park and picnic area only; shops, cafes and pubs in Derrygonnelly.
- Parking
- Big Dog Forest car park, free, off Garrison Road between Derrygonnelly and Belcoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Dog Forest Walk dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The climb through forest to two upland lakes and a panoramic hilltop gives plenty of variety for an active dog. The score reflects the lead requirement, in part because of red deer known to use the forest, and the genuine climb involved, rather than any lack of interest along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Big Dog Forest Walk?
Off-lead potential is low. Dogs should be kept on a lead, following the general approach across Forest Service NI sites, and this matters particularly here given the red deer recorded in Big Dog Forest, which a loose dog could easily disturb or chase.
What should I know before visiting Big Dog Forest Walk with my dog?
The route climbs on a mix of forest tracks and looser, rougher upland ground to reach the Little Dog viewpoint, so it is more demanding than its short length suggests. There is little shade once above the treeline. Facilities are limited to the car park and picnic area, with shops, cafes and pubs in nearby Derrygonnelly.
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