Quality Walk

Silent Valley Nature Trail

The nature trail is the site of the old railway line that linked Annalong with the Silent Valley reservoir. Visitors can stop at the picnic spot close to the Kilkeel River. Excellent for sightings of wildlife, wild flowers and bird watching. Along the length of the trail you will find signal signs that give you additional information about the area.

County

Down

Distance

1.5 miles

OS Map

Sheet 29

Nearest Town

Kilkeel

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Riverside, Woodland

Terrain

Easy walking path

Grid Reference (Start)

J289210

Grid Reference (End)

J289210

Point of Interest

Spectacular mountain views, highly accessible

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

Facing up the Silent Valley towards the reservoir take the footpath at the top left hand side of the main car park. Proceed a short distance over a bridge to a point at which a number of paths intersect. An interpretive panel marks the beginning of the Nature Trail which you then follow down to a picnic site by the Kilkeel River., followng the course of the old railway line. Here you can cross the river and make your way back walking along the oppostite side which takes you throug scrub, heath and newly planted oakwoodland.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Starting point is from the main car park at the Silent Valley Reservoir.

Facilities

Toilet facilities are located in the main car park and there is an information centre and coffee shop nearby. Picnic tables can be found at the end of the Nature Trail at the banks of the Kilkeel River.

Publication

Leaflet available from Mourne Heritage Trust's website www.mournelive.com and Silent Valley Security Office.

Publication Availability

Mourne Heritage Trust Office, 87 Central Promenade, Newcastle Tel: 028 4372 4059

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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