Granite Trail (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

Covering a relatively short distance from coast to open moorland, the Granite Trail offers the opportunity to see artifacts from the once thriving granite industry of Mourne. Differing natural habitats can be enjoyed as you walk through coniferous forest and mature woodland beside mountain streams and rivers.

County

Down

Distance

3 miles

OS Map

Sheet 29

Nearest Town

Newcastle

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest, Woodland

Terrain

Steep inclines, forest tracks

Grid Reference (Start)

J381296

Grid Reference (End)

J381296

Point of Interest

Harbour and Town, Natural Habitat

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

There are 3 component parts to this trail, providing the walker with a range of possible options or combinations.

Bogie Line
Drinneevar Loop
Donard Loop

Starting from DONARD PARK (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

Follow the DONARD LOOP on the map through Donard Wood to the rear of the YMCA and through some sharp zig zag turns until you come to the 3^rd bridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the forest road which leads to Thomas’s Mountain Quarry. There is a granite viewpoint just beyond the quarry. The trail then leads you in the direction of the BOGIE LINE. Millstone Quarry can be accessed via a path to your right hand side which exits at the other side of the quarry (take care if walking over loose spoil !). Continue along the trail until you come to the stile beside the edge of Donard Wood.

To access the BOGIE LINE, cross the stile beside the Shoddy Hut and continue downhill towards King Street and Bogie Hill. Take care when crossing the road ! Continue walking along the footpath in the direction of Newcastle town centre - Information on the SS Great Britain is available just before the PSNI station. Continue in the direction of the town centre until you come to the beginning of the Promenade (across from River House). Take Care when crossing the road – this takes you back to your starting point in Donard Park.

WARNING - The trail includes quarries with loose spoil, old workings and unprotected drops. It is recommended that visitors keep to the trail.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

There is a car park available at Newcastle Harbour, South Promenade, Newcastle. This is on the main A2 road from Newcastle to Kilkeel. Regular buses are available to Newcastle from Belfast and Newry. The Granite Trail commences opposite Newcastle Harbour.