Slievenacloy - Stoneyford River

Experience the lowland meadow & rush pasture habitats of Slievenacloy, some of the rarest grassland habitat in Ulster. Drop down into the sheltered valley where you may see Irish hare while you explore the species rich banks of the Stoneyford River. Due to grazing animals dogs must be kept on leads.

County

Antrim

Distance

2.5 miles

OS Map

Sheets 14 & 15

Nearest Town

Stoneyford near Lisburn

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Hill

Terrain

Off-road paths, rough pasture

Grid Reference (Start)

J250713

Grid Reference (End)

J250713

Point of Interest

An enigmatic earthwork of uncertain date, wildlife

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

Walk west from the farmhouse following the surfaced trackway & the red orchid markers. At Viewpoint 1 turn left and follow the surfaced track down the hill. At the bottom of the hill go through the kissing gate, turn left & follow the road for a short distance until you are able to cross over & enter the far side of the reserve through a pedestrian gate.

Follow the rough track towards the field gate, pausing to read about the enigmatic earth ring that lies within this field. Once through the gate follow the waymarker posts across the hillside & down the slope to the bridge. Cross the Stoneyford river and follow the waymarker posts up the far slope to the fenceline. Follow the fenceline east, watching out for wet and boggy areas.

Waymarker posts will again guide you down the slopes & back over the Stoneyford river. Follow the rough track up the slope to the Flowbog Road, crossing through a pedestrian gate. You will see the main entrance to your left. Head through the double gates and make your way back up the hill to the farmhouse.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

Found off the Flowbog Road with parking available. Ring the Ulster Wildlife for further details 028 4483 0282 or see link below to Ulster Wildlife website.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept on leads

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Facilities

Visitors should park where they can find a safe spot, for example across one of the double gates at the start of the path leading to the derelict farmhouse, leaving space for tractor access. Refreshments can be bought from the Glen Colin filling station at the junction of the Ballycolin/Colin Glen Road, or at the Ballymac Hotel on the Rock Road. There are toilet facilities on site however you need to contact the UWT to arrange for these to be opened.