The best walks and hikes around Sandholes
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Hiking around Sandholes features gentle trails through historic estates and along lough shores. The terrain is characterized by low elevation gains, offering accessible paths suitable for various activity levels. Routes often explore natural features such as Killyfole Lough and the grounds of Crom Estate, providing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Best hiking trails around Sandholes
- The most popular hiking route is Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins), a 4.5 miles (7.3…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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hikers
4.04km
01:03
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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30
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Sandholes
Tips from the Community
Such a beautiful place to visit. Lots of wildlife and you can hear the birds tweeting away.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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Crom Castle is situated within a 1,900 acre estate in County Fermanagh. It's an elegant 17th-century castle existing amongst a beautiful landscape of islands, woodlands, and historical ruins.
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The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.
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Built on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom Castle is a stunning country estate dating back to the 17th century. The beautiful castle is set amongst 2,000 acres (809 ha) of ancient woodland and countryside which make up one of Ireland's most important conservation areas. The surrounding wetlands, grasslands and woodlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, wagtails, and cows who have been seen to swim across the lake to graze on the islands. The castle is privately owned by the Crichton family, but is open to visitors and managed by the National Trust. There's a tearoom on-site for a cuppa and a slice of cake too.
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Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten, red squirrels and many rare species including butterflies can all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 2,000 acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape designed by W.S.Gilpin in the 19th century. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/crom-estate-p675551)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Sandholes?
There are 7 hiking trails around Sandholes, all offering accessible paths suitable for various activity levels.
Are the hiking trails in Sandholes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, all 7 routes in Sandholes are rated as easy, featuring low elevation gains and gentle terrain. They are ideal for families and those new to hiking.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Sandholes?
You'll find gentle trails through historic estates, along lough shores like Killyfole Lough, and nature trails. The terrain is characterized by low elevation gains, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any circular walks in Sandholes?
Yes, many of the trails in Sandholes are circular, offering convenient loop walks. For example, the Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop and the Whiskered Bat Nature Trail – Killyfole Lough loop are excellent choices.
What are some notable historical sites or attractions to see along the trails?
The area is rich in history. You can explore the historic grounds and ruins of Crom Estate, including the Old Crom Castle Ruins and the Crom Estate Castle Ruins. The Crom Castle Boathouse is also a popular point of interest.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Sandholes?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil lough-side paths, the historic estates, and the accessible nature trails.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on the trails?
Yes, the nature trails and lough-side paths, particularly around Killyfole Lough, offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Whiskered Bat Nature Trail is specifically designed to highlight local wildlife.
What is the typical duration for a hike in Sandholes?
Hikes in Sandholes vary in length. For instance, the Crom Estate Trail can be completed in about 1 hour, while the Crom Castle Boathouse – Crom Castle loop takes approximately 1 hour 53 minutes.
Can I find information on public transport options to reach the trailheads?
While specific public transport details for individual trailheads are not provided in the guide, for broader travel information in the region, you might find resources on local transport websites. For general outdoor adventure information in Mid Ulster, you can visit visitmidulster.com.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers in Sandholes?
The hiking routes in Sandholes are generally characterized by low elevation gains and are all rated as easy. For more challenging terrain, you might need to explore areas further afield.
What is the best time of year to hike in Sandholes?
Given the gentle nature of the trails and the focus on historic estates and lough shores, hiking in Sandholes is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter hiking is also possible on these accessible paths, though conditions may vary.
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