
Tollymore Forest Park - River Trail
Having descended the Azalea Walk to the Shimna River, the trail turns upstream along the attractive tree lined river bank past the Hermitage to cross the river at Parnell's Bridge. The 10 metre cascade fall is most spectacular.
County
Down
Distance
3.1 miles
OS Map
Sheet 29
Nearest Town
Newcastle
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Forest, Riverside, Woodland
Terrain
Easy off-road paths
Grid Reference (Start)
J343325
Grid Reference (End)
J343325
Point of Interest
Shimna River, the Hermitage, Parnell's Bridge, the Cascades
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Mournes
Route Description
Follow the red waymarker arrows from the car park.
Down the Azalea Walk towards the Shimna river to the Hermitage this trail passes through both conifer and broadleaved woodland before crossing the Shimna at Parnell’s bridge.
Dramatic views of the Pot of Legawherry can be seen from the trail. There is an optional spur to the White Fort Cashel before following the Spinkwee River downstream, past the cascades and back to the Meeting of the Waters.
The trail proceeds through conifer plantations, past the duck pond and crosses the Shimna River over the Old Bridge, returning to the car park via the Green Rig.
Trail Features
Steps, gullies, tree roots
Moderate gradient (1:4)
Generally undefined edges
Overhanging branches
Broken surface material
Some rest areas at irregular intervals
Way-finding markers at trail junctions
Distance to go Markers at trail junctions
These walks are 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)
Signposted from Newcastle. Take the road to Bryansford and the entrance to Tollymore Forest Park is on the left.
Accessibility Grade
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Disabled toilets |
![]() | Disabled parking |
Facilities
Car park (fee charged), toilets (disabled access), picnic areas, camping and caravaning, electronic 'In-Touch' information kiosk, way-marked/ nature trails, guided tours available.
Publication
None
Publication Availability
N/A
Links
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