Castle Crom and finishing the Sliabh Beagh Way

Last weekend we spent a fabulous time in a renovated pig sty under a museum at the Crom Castle estate. How's that for an opening sentence?

These old spacious rooms have been very skilfully turned into glamping pods and we had 'Wilbur' for the night (named after the famous pig in 'Charlotte's Web') complete with two beds, a table and chairs, a mini fridge and microwave and a bedside table. It was so much better than camping ever could be and we loved it.

The Crom estate is right on the water of Lough Erne and had we been a bit earlier we could have hired a boat and visited some of the many islands there. We'll do that next time. This trip was more about the glamping experience and being in County Fermanagh for a nice early hike on the Sunday morning.

There is however the old Castle to be found and enjoyed, a massive 800 year old yew tree (among six trees from across Northern Ireland shortlisted for the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year), walks around the estate, cattle and deer and old buildings to discover. Plus the newer, private castle on the grounds to gaze at and dream of a luxurious life with a butler etc :)

Oh there were bats at night flying right above our heads; it was the best...

A good night's sleep and hearty porridge for breakfast and we were on our way to finish the last stretch of hiking in these here parts :)

We finished the last part of the Sliabh Beagh Way (part of the Ulster Way) by Sunday afternoon! 40 miles knocked off our total now and now we only have 100 miles to go to finish the whole circuit. It's so hard to believe until we break it down into all the many many long hikes we've done over the two and a half years. So many fabulous days out getting to see the real bones of our country like you just can't do from a car.

Here is a great link to the Sliabh Beagh Way for you!

This section was 12 miles and though my hip/back hurt so much I had to take double the painkillers, we did it and enjoyed ourselves at the same time (Toby too). We got a little rained on but apart from that it was perfect hiking weather - I LOVE Autumn.

It was a great trip and next on the agenda is the Sperrins - exciting! There are so many photos from this wee weekend that I'm going to put lots up on my Instagram if you want to pop over there. I'm still so behind myself it's ridiculous but I am trying hard to catch up!

Hugs galore
Carrie