
Bloody Bridge River Walk
This scenic walk leads from the Bloody Bridge car park along the edge of the Bloody Bridge River and back again.
County
Down
Distance
0.5 (One Way) miles
OS Map
Sheet 29
Nearest Town
Newcastle
Route Shape
Linear
Route Type
Mountain
Terrain
Off road, unsurfaced trail
Grid Reference (Start)
J389271
Grid Reference (End)
J389271
Point of Interest
Bloody bridge river, keeled skimmer dragonfly
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Mournes
Route Description
Leave the car park by its southern exit and take care crossing over the road to gain access to Bloody Bridge. Pass through the pedestrian gate and squeeze stile and follow the well worn track down the hill. This track forms part of the "Brandy Pad", an old smugglers route. Brandy and other spirits, wine, spices, tobacco, tea, coffee, sugar and silk made their way to the secluded coves of the Mourne coast via the Isle of Man, which was outside the control of Customs and Excise at that time.
On your left you will see the Bloody Bridge, originally a ford. The name refers to a massacre at the site at the time of the 1641 rebellion. The bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning it red and so the river became known as the Bloody Bridge River.
Continue up the path as it slowly climbs the lower slopes of the mountain. You will notice some stone pitching which is there to reduce path erosion. The vegetation in the valley is principally dry heath, which is rare in a European context. Wet springs and flushes along the path are home to some unusual invertebrates, including the Keeled Skimmer, a nationally scarce dragonfly. Several noteworthy butterfly species have also been recorded, including the Green Hairstreak, the Dark Green fritillary and the Grayling. Higher up in the mountains look out for ravens, red grouse and peregrine falcons, and the Irish Hare.
Continue to follow the path as it follows the Bloody Bridge River uphill. Stop where the path crosses the river and retrace your steps to get back to the car park.
* The Bloody Bridge Coastal Path is another path that you can explore from the Bloody Bridge Car Park, as its winds its way to the south along the coastline.
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Getting to the Start (by Car)
The Bloody Bridge trail is situated on the fringe of the Mourne Mountains by the Irish Sea, 3 miles south of Newcastle on the A2 Newcastle to Kilkeel road.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept on leads
Accessibility Grade
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Disabled toilets |
Facilities
Car park, interpretive panels, viewing area, toilets and picnic tables
Publication
None
Publication Availability
n/a
