New guide to county walks

Enjoyment of walking in the countryside is being promoted

Walkers will be able to get into their stride around County Fermanagh following the publication of a new guide.

On Monday, Fermanagh District Council will be publishing a new walks guide which explores the area's natural history.

The council hopes the book, 25 Walks in Fermanagh, will open up the natural and geological wonders of the area to a wider audience.

It is due to go on sale this week.

The book was co-written by the council's environment officer, Eamonn Keaveney and retired forester and experienced hill walker, Noel Parker.

The council is promoting the area as one of the few remaining unspoilt regions of Europe.

Mr Keaveney said: "It is only by getting out into the countryside that we realise the wealth of beautiful yet fragile ecosystems right on our own doorstep."

According to the publishers, the book offers a comprehensive guide to walking in the county.

Co-author of the book, Noel Parker said: "All the walks identified in the guide had no access problems by routing through Forest Service or National Trust land or along sections of the Ulster Way where local agreements for access exist.

"The walks vary in length, difficulty and location."

The council also has plans to continue compiling a comprehensive set of walks in the county.

It is hoped that these will be available in leaflet form and on the council's website, www.fermanagh-online.com.

The local Tourist Information Centre has also complied a list of walks in the county and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is doing a feature on walks throughout the province including two walks selected from the new book.