A grassy track along a stretch of disused railway line on the western shore of Dundrum Inner Bay. The area is of significant conservation importance with a variety of semi-natural habitats including herb-rich grassland, scrub and a narrow fringe of saltmarsh. It is part of the Lecale Way and is a haven for birdwatchers.
| County | Down |
| Nearest Town | Dundrum |
| Distance | 1.7 miles miles |
| OS Map | Sheet 29 |
| Route Type | Coastal |
| Route Shape | Linear |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road |
| AONB | Lecale Coast |
| Grid Ref (Start) | J409373 |
| Grid Ref (End) | J422394 |
Grassy track
Fantastic birdlife particularly wildfowl and waders, varied habitats,views across the bay
The trail begins in the small National Trust carpark. To the east of the trail are the waters of Dundrum Inner Bay or at low tide its estuarine sands and muds. The area is of very high interest for its marine life and is part of the Murlough Special Area of Conservation. It is important for wildfowl and waders in the winter such as oystercatcher, lapwing, redshank, curlew, black-tailed godwit, turnstone and grey plover due to the relatively mild climate and abundance of food found on the mudflats.
The gentle shelving shoreline of Dundrum Inner Bay merges with the shingle and dunes of Murlough. Across the Bay lie the fertile plains of Lecale while behind the village on the summit of a rocky hill, stands one of Northern Ireland's most evocative medieval ruins - Dundrum Castle.
Turn left and continue along the trail following the waymarkers if necessary. The path follows the old railway line and opposite Ardilea Bridge an artificial embankment carries the track across the Inner Bay. The trail ends just beyond the bridge at Widow's Row, a small group of 19th century fishing cottages. Cyclists can return to the carpark by the same route.
Turn right off the main A2 from Belfast to Newcastle, just a few hundred yards before entering Dundrum village to reach the small National Trust car park.
The path forms part of the Lecale Way and is popular with walkers. Also be respectful of birdwatchers.
Carpark, bike racks, picnic table and National Trust holiday cottage. National Trust coffee shop nearby at Murlough main carpark.
This route does not have accessible toilet facilities.
Off-road / grassy path which may become boggy when wet
Lecale Way leaflet
CAAN and Tourist Information Centres
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
This information is provided by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, The Stableyard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5PB.
Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248
info@cycleni.com
www.outdoorrecreationni.com
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.