This figure-of-eight trail rises gently above the surrounding countryside before dropping down to the site of the Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits. (A) This landscape has been an ancient routeway for thousands of years and was used by traders, adventurers and armies. The Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits was fought here in 1594, and the ruins of 18th century Nixon Hall nestles within a landscaped demesne of rolling drumlins. This looped community trail offer a unique walking experience.
A
Fermanagh walk
posted on 18/01/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 08/02/23
Description
Start : The trailhead is located at Cleenish Millennium Hall (Arney Hall) on the Arney Road (C438).
(S/E) Access the trail between the hall and Mullymesker Primary School. At the end of the paved road, follow the path Southwards until you reach the sports pitch.
(1) Turn left (South-East) and follow the hedgerow for about 90m then turn right heading South-Westwards.
(2) On reaching the track, turn left (South-East) onto the track and continue crossing another track to reach the battlefield. Enjoy the views over the Red Meadow and the fording point on the Arney River in the middle distance. Continue around the battlefield to rejoin the track.
(3) Turn Northwards and continue to the track junction. Turn left and retrace your steps to the GAA pitch à the Waypoint (1). This time, turn left (South-West) and continue around the GAA pitch and over the footbridge turning right onto a track to Arney Road (C438) then right (East) back to Arney Hall to complete the loop. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 54 m - Arney hall
- 1 : km 0.31 - alt. 52 m - Sports GAA pitch
- 2 : km 0.51 - alt. 55 m - Track
- 3 : km 0.94 - alt. 56 m - Track
- S/E : km 2.25 - alt. 54 m - Arney Hall
Useful Information
Start : The trailhead is located at Cleenish Millennium Hall (Arney Hall) on the Arney Road (C438).
Terrain : Farm lane, compacted gravel trail and stone pitched steps. Grassland.
Parking : Car park at Arney Hall
Public transport : Translink
Dog policy : Dogs must be kept on leads due to cattle grazing in neighbouring fields.
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
(A) The Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits took place in Fermanagh, Ireland on 7 August 1594, during the Nine Years' War. A column of almost 650 English troops led by Sir Henry Duke was ambushed and defeated by a Gaelic Irish force under Hugh Maguire and Cormac MacBaron O'Neill at the Arney River. The English column had been sent to relieve and resupply Enniskillen Castle, which had been under siege by the Irish since May. The English suffered at least 56 killed and 69 wounded, and were forced to make a hasty retreat.
The battle gained its name because the supplies of the English, largely hard biscuits, were left scattered and floating in the river. The battle was an early engagement of the Nine Years' War, and exposed the vulnerability of the English to ambushes in the wilder parts of Ulster with its thick woods and bogs.
Source and more informations about Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits here.
