Castlewellan Forest Park - Annesley Garden Walk

Beginning at Castlewellan Lake this trail journeys through the Annesley Garden, National Arborteum and takes in a variety of Lakes and Ponds within the forest.

County

Down

Distance

2.2 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

Annesley Gardens, National Arborteum, Mitchell's Lake

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Mournes

Route Description

Starting in the Lakeside Car Park, follow the waymarkers along Lime Avenue until reaching the Annesley Garden and National Arboretum. You can then choose a short route back (1.1 mile total) or further explore the Park (2.2 mile total) by continuing uphill to circle the Duck Pond and Mitchell's Lake before returning on the wide, even path down the hill 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 4

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.