Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Castlewellan Forest Park

This 2.5 mile family cycling trail is a circular route around Castlewellan Lake suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Set in the wonderful Castlewellan Forest Park the trail should take an average of 30 minutes to complete.

Newcastle Beach is a popular attraction which is found less than 5 miles or ca 8 km away.

County

Down

Distance

2.5 miles

Nearest Town

Castlewellan

OS Map

Route Type

Forest

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Mournes

Grid Ref (Start)

J335364

Public Roads

Off Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J335364

Terrain

Trail is on well maintained forest walking paths.

Point of Interest

Castlewellan Forest Park
Ice House
Autumn Wood
Peace Maze

Route Description

Set off from the car park and pedal down toward the lake, where the route is waymarked every 300 yards by green discs with a white bicycle in the centre. The trail is on wide forest track with well compacted stone and is carefully maintained, with no overhanging branches or obstructions. Occasionally the path may be re-routed for essential maintenance, remember, this is a working forest. By and large, it's a flat easy cycle with one gentle slope on the north side of the lake.

Castlewellan Forest Park is set among the magnificent Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has lots to offer. From the cycle route there are splendid views of Castlewellan Castle, built in 1856, very much a focal point within the estate. Along the route you can pull in and investigate the Ice House, an early form of refrigeration, and the delightful Autumn Wood just below the Castle on the return leg. When finished, the wonderful Peace Maze above the main car park, should keep everyone baffled and entertained for another hour.

Getting to the Start

From Belfast take the A24 towards Newcastle and turn off at Clough Village onto the A25 road to Newry. Castlewellan town is approximately 8 kilometres from this junction and the Forest Park entrance is signposted off the main street.

Traffic

May encounter Forest Service vehicles or timber lorries. During the fishing season (March to November) may also encounter cars belonging to anglers

Facilities

Forest Park facilities include car, minibus and coach parking, fully accessible toilets and The Grange cafe. Please note the cafe is open at weekends from Easter to end of June and throughout September. Open daily during July and August.

Information for People with a Disability

This route has accessible toilet facilities.

Disabled access parking for cars, minibuses and coaches is available at the main car park and car parking only at the smaller lake side car park. The toilets are immediately adjacent to the main car park.