Castlewellan Forest Park - Cypress Pond Walk

Beginning at Castlewellan Lake this trail winds its way uphill through mature trees to offer a tranquil view of Cypress Pond.

County

Down

Distance

3.1 miles

OS Map

Sheet 29

Nearest Town

Castlewellan

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest, Lakeland, Woodland

Terrain

Moderate with some steep hills

Grid Reference (Start)

J335364

Grid Reference (End)

J335364

Point of Interest

Views of Mourne Mountains, Cypress Pond and Castlewellan Lake

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

Part of the new Castlewellan Walking Trails launched in November 2014, this trail is signposted from the Lakeside car park - follow the purple waymarkers.

Starting in the Lakeside Car Park, follow the southern shore of the lake until the western corner, this trail then begins to climb, winding its way through mature trees. Walkers are rewarded on reaching the top with a tranquil view of the Cypress Pond. The trail then descends through the trees back to the lake shore which can be followed back to the trailhead.

This is a 'Moderate' walk suitable for those with a good standard of fitness. The surface is variable but stable, may be slightly uneven and include loose material. It includes some steep climbs and descents.

This walk is situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.

Up to date information is available on the Forest Service web site - link below.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

From Castlewellan the forest is signposted from Main Street.

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

	Café (wheelchair accessible)
	Disabled toilets
	Disabled parking
	Hearing loop system

Facilities

Car park (fee charged), café, toilets (disabled access), picnic areas, The Peace Maze, Activity Centre, lecture room/ classroom, camping & caravaning, orienteering route, mountain bike trails.