Rain or shine, Blessingbourne Estate is well worth exploring

Last Thursday was one of those days when the incessant rain made it hard to get motivated for a walk in the park. But, as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a bad day, just poor clothing!

So, despite the rain and the lower than usual temperature for the end of June, the Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown ticked all the boxes for an enjoyable and accessible dander on the doorstep.

The house and estate are privately owned, so you’ll need to pay £5 to park and access the walk. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead at all times and the estate is also popular among mountain bikers.

Over a distance of around 2.5 miles or 4k, the walk passes through lush vegetation, mature forest and open farmland.

Starting from the estate house, you’ll follow the purple looped route which will take you on a relaxing tour of the perimeter of the estate. It’s well-marked and the paths are properly maintained. So, there’s no excuse to not enjoy your walk, even if the rain continues to pelt down as it did when we visited.

There are many features to look out for, too, in the hour or so that it may take to complete your route.

One of the most impressive features is Lough Fadda which covers a large area in front of the main Blessingbourne House, which was built between 1870 and 1874.

Another is Rose Cottage, which skirts the main road into Fivemiletown. It’s an evocative old stone house which has long since fallen into disrepair, but still offers the chance to imagine what it would have been like in days gone by.

Although the walk doesn’t go through Fivemiletown, it does pass close to local football pitches and other community amenities. But the chance to enjoy the quiet and solitude of the Blessingbourne Estate is the main attraction.

Take time to breathe in the fresh air and the sounds and smells of the flowers and wildlife. Look out as well, for the horses and cattle and the many different varieties of mature trees which make this area timeless and special