Castlecoote Loop

Trail Description

The Castlecoote Loop (Ladybug Way) is a 5.2 k.m. family friendly walk on the tranquil Suck Valley Way. The Loop starts and finishes by the River Suck (at the old Telephone Box / Information Kiosk) in the picturesque village of Castlecoote. 

The Castlecoote Loop is unique as the walker enjoys the water at five different points along the way.

The loop starts at the River Suck in Castlecoote village. It passes by Stoneham’s Lake (Linn Ban Lake) with its ancient Crannog and Donamon Castle in the background. It then traverses the Derryhippo River over a beautiful Steel bridge into the Coillte Wood, Bracklin. As the walk loops back towards Castlecoote, it passes over Black’s Bridge where the Derryhippo River can be seen entering Black’s Lake (Lough Na Saggart). The walker then passes another small lake which the Derryhippo floods into during Winter floods before re-entering the village.

At Black’s Bridge, look out for “The Big 5”. The River Suck and its adjacent areas of seasonally flooded wet callow grassland is designated a Special Protection Area for five important wintering bird species, the Whooper Swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Wigeon, Golden Plover and Lapwing.

Another special feature of the Castlecoote Loop are the bespoke, colourful stone ladybugs that can be found at different points on the walk – these are of great interest to younger walkers! There are ladybugs of every colour and size and some slate fairy doors in the forest if you have eyes that can see them.

Relax with a coffee or ice-cream at the picnic benches beside Castlecoote Stores after your walk while watching out for the Kingfisher as it flashes through the beautiful seven arched bridge.