Walking

The best way to get a real feel for the countryside is on foot. leave the car behind and explore the most beautiful and unspoiled areas of Down District.

Work up an appetite for some fine home cooking and get some healthy exercise while you're at it!

Below are listed some of the many waymarked lowland and coastal walks in Down District. Also available are Forestry and National Trust walks together with routes through the high Mournes. Brochures, route maps and details of
these and guided walks and walking Festivals in the area can be obtained
from the Tourist Information Offices Tel 028 43722222 or 028 44612233 or from Countryside Development Tel 028 44610800

Newcastle

The Granite Trail - Newcastle
Starting from Newcastle Harbour, the Granite Trail leads off to Bogie Hill and up onto King Street. Here sees the start of the olf Bogie Line, a cleared strip of forest on a 1 in 3 incline up towards Millstone Mountain Quarry. The mature woods and forest either side of your path are full of interest, flora and fauna with views over the harbour and Dundrum Bay. At the top of Donard Wood and over the stile follow the path past Millstone Mountain Quarry and on to the viewpoint at Thomas's Mountain Quarry. For maps of route telephone Newcastle Tourist Information Centre: 028 4372 2222

See below to Download Granite Trail Brochure 

Newcastle Challenge Trail
A 44km waymarked long-distance walking route through the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within this small geographical area there are a wealth of different landscapes to explore, with views out over the Irish Sea and across the Mourne Mountains. You can undertake this route as a `challenge walk' in one day, but don't feel you have to, the five sections, as set out below can be easily enjoyed over a number of days.

See below to Download Challenge Trail Brochure

Guided Walks in the Mournes
Domnall McComish
15 Slieve Shannagh Park, Newcastle, Tel 028 4372 5143
Customised guided walks all year round. Guided walks to suit individuals of groups. Walks are based in Newcastle at the foot of Slieve Donard. Corporate group walks are also available.

Outdoor Ireland North
Loretto Coyle MLC
14 Shimnavale, Newcastle Tel 028 4372 5191 Mobile: 0797 3408 056
Qualified Mountain Leader who takes guided walks, hikes, cycles in the Mourne Mountains, Causeway Coast & Glens and Carlingford Mountains.

Mourne Heritage Trust
87 Central Promenade, Newcastle Tel 028 437 24059

Castlewellan

Ballylough, Castlewellan
Approx 2.2 miles 3.5 kms. Approx 1 hour. Starting point Ballylough Road, Annsborough Village. A stroll alongside water offers a tranquil outdoor experience to the walker.

Burrenreagh, Castlewellan
Approx 5.25 miles, 10 kms. Approx 2.5 hours. Starting point Lower Square, Castlewellan. For outstanding views of Castlewellan, the surrounding countryside and the Irish Sea.

Drumee, Castlewellan
Approx 5.8 miles, 10 kms. Approx 2.5 hours. Starting point Car Park, Upper square, Castlewellan. This network of paths formed part of an intricate transport system connecting the settlements of Castlewellan, Annsborough, Maghera, Dundrum, Byansford and Newcastle.

Downpatrick

Lecale Way
The Lecale Way follows the footsteps of Saint Patrick from his landing place on the shores of Strangford Lough near Raholp, around the coastline to Newcastle within the lecale area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Distance: 65km/40 miles
Time: 2-3 days
Maps: Ordnance Survey Discovery Series (1;50,000) Sheets 21 & 29
Starting Point: Raholp
Finishing Point: Newcastle

For Lecale Way Brochure, Tele Newcastle Tourist Information Centre
028 437 22222