The final phase of a 5km looped pathway in the Devenish area of Enniskillen, known as ‘The Wide Awake Way’ is now complete.

The project, involving a £346,000 investment in the area, was delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) and Devenish Partnership Forum with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Landfill Community Fund and Sport NI.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, opened the pathway with representatives from the funders, LELP Programme Board and Devenish Partnership Forum.

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

The pathway offers visitors the opportunity to walk, run or cycle along the beautiful shoreline while taking in this interpretative signage along the way.

Speaking about ‘The Wide Awake Way’ project, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “I am delighted that works on ‘The Wide Awake Way’ project are now complete. The improved pathway will provide a shared use space for walking, running and cycling around the Devenish area of Enniskillen. The additional features of the trail heads and interpretive signage will ensure that anyone using the path is connected to nature and the history and heritage of the town.

"The Council is committed to ensuring our people are healthy and well - physically, mentally and emotionally. The development of this connected pathway will provide opportunities for people to get outdoors and be active.”

Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of Sport NI said: “‘The Wide Awake Way’ will provide a much-needed location for sport and physical activity in the local community. We are proud to have provided funding for the pathway in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, the Landfill Communities Fund and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

"At Sport NI we believe in the power of sport to change lives. Sport and physical activity are powerful tools to support our emotional, mental and physical well-being and this pathway will encourage more people of all ages to get out and get active.”

Elmarie Swanepoel, Programme Manager of Lough Erne Landscape Partnership said: “'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. A beautiful walk along the shoreline, with such much to see and learn along the way.”

Nikki McVeigh, NI Committee member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are committed to promoting more environmentally-sustainable heritage and increasing people’s health and wellbeing. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and its partners in improving access to the Lough Erne shoreline and enabling the community to engage with its heritage.”

Ulster Wildlife on behalf of Landfill Communities Fund said: “Ulster Wildlife is pleased, as an environmental body which distributes funds on behalf of the Landfill Communities Fund, to see the completion of this community project and hope that the new pathways will encourage more people to get outdoors, both for health benefits and to experience nature on their doorstep.”

The entire 5km looped path network is fully open and the heritage walking guide and map is available from Enniskillen Castle or Lough Erne Landscape Partnership office.