Quality Walk

Hillsborough Forest, Lake Walk

Set within 150 acres of mixed woodlands this is the ideal place to walk and relax in nature. The forest is rich with bird life and larger mammals, including foxes and badgers may also be seen. Fishing, by permit only, is also available.

The forest is open from dawn till dusk every day. Admission and car parking is free.

Within Hillsborough Forest, the 17th Century Hillsborough Fort can be seen, built on the sight of an old stronghold, founded by Peter Hill in 1630. The square fort features a parapet wall and was granted Royal Fort status by Charles II.

 

County

Down

Distance

1.2 miles

OS Map

Sheet 20

Nearest Town

Hillsborough

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest, Woodland

Terrain

Moderate, steep in places

Grid Reference (Start)

J24346

Grid Reference (End)

J58413

Point of Interest

The tree fringed lake attracts a wide variety of wildfowl, ancient rath

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

From the main car park follow the path to the lake. Here the choice is yours whether to follow the trail around the lake in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. This trail passes Hillsborough Fort, managed by NI Environment Agency and is accessible from the path. Look out for the many species of resident and over wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of duck.

These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.

 

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

The main A1 Belfast to Dublin road passes close by the village, with access signposted via the roundabout at the north end of the village and easy access over a bridge at the south end. The Forest entrance is located at the end of Park Street and this is signposted from the main road through the village.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. Dogs are allowed. All dogs should be kept under proper control. Dogs must not be allowed to foul on footpaths – please clear up and use the dog fould bins provided at the forest car park and at several points en route around the forest trails.

Facilities

Car parking / picnic facilities / ice cream and confectionery is sold from a mobile van. Several cafes, restaurants and shops are located close by in the village. Public toilets with wheelchair access are available at Hillsborough Fort and in the village beside. The Lake is also a publicly owned fishery (stocked with rainbow trout). Fishing is by permit only, issued by DCAL Inland Fisheries.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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