Quality Walk

Castlewellan Forest Park - Moorish Tower Walk

The walk circumnavigates Castlewellan Lake.  A short steep climb uphill brings you to the Moorish Tower.

County

Down

Distance

3.2 miles

OS Map

Sheet 29

Nearest Town

Castlewellan

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest, Lakeland, Woodland

Terrain

Moderate with some steep hills

Grid Reference (Start)

J335364

Grid Reference (End)

J335364

Point of Interest

Moorish Tower, Castlewellan Lake

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

This trail is signposted from the Lakeside car park - follow the brown waymarkers.

Starting at the Lakeside Car Park, the trail follows the southern shore of the lake before winding steeply uphill.  A narrow track leads to the Moorish Tower now hidden in the trees.  When designed, this 'tea house' would have provided a fine vista across the Lake.  A steep descent leads back to the lake shore.

This is a 'Moderate' walk suitable for those with a good standard of fitness. The surface is variable but stable, may be slightly uneven and include loose material.  It includes some steep climbs and descents.

This walk is 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)

From Castlewellan the forest is signposted from Main Street.

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Facilities

Car park (fee charged), café, toilets (disabled access), picnic areas, The Peace Maze, Activity Centre, lecture room/ classroom, camping & caravaning, orienteering route, mountain bike trails.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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