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About
Explore our mixed woodland with five scenic trails that lead you through the forest and to stunning viewpoints. From these vantage points, you can enjoy breathtaking views northeast towards the Ballysallagh reservoirs, Belfast Lough, and even Scotland on clear days. As you ascend through the trees to an altitude of 200m, you’ll also catch glimpses southeast towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough.
Once part of the Clandeboye Estate, this woodland is significant for its conservation value and its role as a prominent landscape feature in North Down. The Forest is primarily covered by beech trees, with a mix of oak, birch, alder, rowan, and holly, many of which have a scrub-like character. You’ll also find some Scots pine conifers scattered throughout. The open areas consist mainly of grass and rush complexes interspersed with bramble, while the highest elevations feature heathland, abundant with bilberry. The forest is home to a variety of small songbirds and frequently visited by common raptors. Red squirrels are resident here and can often be spotted near the adjacent hill fort.
Enjoy 16km of multi-use trails perfect for walking, running, and family cycling. Keep an eye out for our Tale Trails—exciting story walks coming to the woodland next year!
Walking Trail Routes - From the car park follow the ramped pathway to the trailhead information panel. Follow the colour coded trail waymarked discs on the wooden posts located throughout the woodland, to navigate each of the five circular trails.
The Ballysallagh Trail is 1.7km circular trail; Graded: Easy. This red waymarked trail is accessible for walking and family cycling. It explores the area closest to the car park and can be shortened as you cross the access lane halfway around.
The Woodland Trail is 3km circular trail; Graded: Moderate. This blue waymarked trail is accessible for walking and family cycling.
The Cairngaver Trail is 3km trail off three loops; Graded: Moderate. This purple waymarked trail is accessible for walking and leads you to various viewpoints looking southeast towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough.
The Quarry Trail is 4km circular trail; Graded: Moderate. This green waymarked trail is accessible for walking and takes in over half the woodland running along the boundary with the working Craigantlet Quarry to the south.
The Boundary Trail is 4.5km circular trail; Graded: Moderate. This yellow waymarked trail is accessible for walking and follows the boundary of the mixed woodland, taking in all four fabulous viewpoints.
Please note - These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Catering
- Cafe - Catering is available from a horsebox coffee café at busier times.
Establishment Features
- Toilets - Toilet with baby changing facilities is available close to ramped access path in the car parking area.
Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car parking is free of charge Disabled parking for cars is available with one EV charging point alongside the disabled parking.
