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

Grade 5

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.