Quality Walk

Montalto Estate Garden Walk

This trail is at its most stunning in spring-time, when a beautiful display of deciduous azaleas and colourful rhododendron, are in full bloom.

County

Down

Distance

0.56 miles

OS Map

20

Nearest Town

Ballynahinch

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Parkland & Grassland, Riverside, Woodland

Terrain

Woodland Trails

Grid Reference (Start)

NW472077

Grid Reference (End)

NW472077

Point of Interest

Summer House, Rock Garden, Montalto House

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

You will see a large collection of rhododendron hybrids, sourced from John Gault, a Northern Irish expert.

As you make your way past the Summer House you will see lots of other wonderful shrubbery and planting.

You will make your way down to the Rock Garden. In the pinetum, you will also see one of our champion trees, a giant Redwood: a champion tree is defined as the tallest, oldest, or largest example of its species or kind, in a certain area. Our Redwood makes the champions list because it has the largest girth of its type recorded in Northern Ireland.

Visitors can make their way past the historic bathing house; here, keep an eye out for the words ‘Abide with me’, inscribed in the concrete as you approach it. No-one knows who inscribed these words here or why they did so. In this area, you will soon be able to explore a planted fern garden.

As you pass the lake, you will see another of the champion trees, this one a beautiful large Sycamore; this is a champion tree because it has been rated as a magnificent spreading lawn specimen.

Getting to the Start (by Car)

This walk is located a short drive from Ballynahinch. Entry to Montalto Estate is via the Spa Road.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a lead

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

Café (wheelchair accessible)
Disabled parking
Disabled toilets

Facilities

Cafe, Shop, Car Park, Toilets, Natural Play

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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