Gosford Forest Park
Not only a fantastic cycle trail but a wonderful forest filled with incredible flora and fauna. The trail combines forest roads with two short sections of single track. The trail is suitable for cyclists with basic off-road cycling skills and should take an average of 1 hour to complete.
| County | Armagh | Distance | 4 miles |
| Nearest Town | Markethill | OS Map | 19 |
| Route Type | Forest | Route Shape | Circular |
| AONB | Other Area | Grid Ref (Start) | H964405 |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road | Grid Ref (End) | H964405 |
Terrain
Single track gravel surfaced roads through Forest Park
Point of Interest
Greer's Fort
Arboretum
The Old Gate Lodges
Conservation Lodge
Red Deer Enclosure
Rare Breeds of Cattle and Sheep
Route Description
The Trail is marked by green discs mounted on wooden posts and directs you initially through the archway at the old gate houses before going towards the arboretum. Here you pass under towering specimen trees where huge branches plunge towards the ground, then sweep majestically up to the sky again. Once out of the arboretum cross Castle Avenue, which leads to the privately owned Gosford Castle. Be aware of two-way vehicle traffic at this point and be prepared to stop.
Just past Greer's Fort the way markers direct you onto the first section of single track. Test your off-road skills between the trunks and over the roots of broadleaves and conifers. On the final leg of the journey the deer park and rare breed enclosures add interest before arriving back at the car park for a well earned rest.
These cycle trails are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.
Getting to the Start
Gosford Forest Park is located just beside the town of Markethill directly off the main Armagh to Newry A28 route. The entrance to the Forest Park is signposted for traffic approaching from both directions.
Traffic
May encounter Forest Service vehicles or timber lorries en route. Be aware that horses and ponies may be encountered where the designated trekking route crosses the family cycle trail.
Facilities
Facilities available in the Forest Park include car & coach parking and fully accessible toilets. Caravan and camping facilities are available on site - open from 17 March to 31 October. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially at Bank Holiday weekends and during school holiday periods - tel: 028 3755 1277
Information for People with a Disability
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Disbled access parking for cars, coaches and minibuses is available
Available Publication
Gosford Forest Park Family Cycling Trail Card – www.cycleni.com
www.cycleni.com
Links
Cycle Hire
Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring
Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring, 15 Ballyknockan Rd, Saintfield
Phone: 028 9081 3200
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One feedback comment has been left by a reader about Gosford Forest Park:
m rafferty on July 17, 2010 @ 09:22
good trails, lots of animals to see. without being too taxing, gosford is probably an ideal place to bring the kids in order to let them become more adept at their cycle skills. staff very friendly and helpful.
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