Tardree Forest Walk

At 336 hectares, Tardree is one of Northern Ireland's oldest state forests and provides ample opportunity for walking. The gradient of the walk is moderate, with some steep sections along the way.

County

Antrim

Distance

2.5 miles

OS Map

Sheet 14

Nearest Town

Parkgate

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Hill, Woodland

Terrain

Moderate, off-road paths

Grid Reference (Start)

J186933

Grid Reference (End)

J186933

Point of Interest

Views of Belfast Hills and Slemish Mountain, old quarry

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

From the car park, follow the red route as indicated by painted arrows on woodland posts. After several turns, the track clears the forest and views open up ahead towards the windfarm on Elliots Hill. Soon after, the Belfast Hills come into view towards the south. Continuing ahead, as you turn the bend and begin a sharp descent along the track, Slemish Mountain comes into view. As you walk downhill you soon pass Tardree Geological Nature Reserve on your left. Then continue to follow the red arrows for another kilometre or so, before the path eventually leads you back to the starting point at Duncan's car park.

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)

Follow the signs for Parkgate from Templepatrick. Just after reaching Parkgate, turn left onto the Connor Road. After 5km, turn right, following the sign into Tardree Forest.

Facilities

Car parking, picnic facilities

Publication

Antrim Borough: A Walking Guide

Publication Availability

The leaflet is free of charge and available from Antrim Information Centre, the Clotworthy Arts Centre or by contacting the Countryside Recreation Officer at Antrim Borough Council on 028 9446 3113 or visit www.forestserviceni.gov.uk