Slievenacloy - Stoneyford River

About

Experience the lowland meadow & rush pasture habitats of Slievenacloy, some of the rarest grassland habitat in Ulster. Drop down into the sheltered valley where you may see Irish hare while you explore the species rich banks of the Stoneyford River. Due to grazing animals dogs must be kept on leads.

Start Point:
J250713

Finish Point:
J250713

Route:
Walk west from the farmhouse following the surfaced trackway & the red orchid markers. At Viewpoint 1 turn left and follow the surfaced track down the hill. At the bottom of the hill go through the kissing gate, turn left & follow the road for a short distance until you are able to cross over & enter the far side of the reserve through a pedestrian gate. Follow the rough track towards the field gate, pausing to read about the enigmatic earth ring that lies within this field. Once through the gate follow the waymarker posts across the hillside & down the slope to the bridge. Cross the Stoneyford river and follow the waymarker posts up the far slope to the fenceline. Follow the fenceline east, watching out for wet and boggy areas. Waymarker posts will again guide you down the slopes & back over the Stoneyford river. Follow the rough track up the slope to the Flowbog Road, crossing through a pedestrian gate. You will see the main entrance to your left. Head through the double gates and make your way back up the hill to the farmhouse.

Distance:
2.5 miles

Terrain:
Off-road paths, rough pasture

Point of interest:
An enigmatic earthwork of uncertain date, wildlife

Facilities:
Visitors should park where they can find a safe spot, for example across one of the double gates at the start of the path leading to the derelict farmhouse, leaving space for tractor access. Refreshments can be bought from the Glen Colin filling station at the junction of the Ballycolin/Colin Glen Road, or at the Ballymac Hotel on the Rock Road. There are toilet facilities on site however you need to contact the UWT to arrange for these to be opened.

Publication:
None

Publication availability:
n/a

Nearest town:
Stoneyford near Lisburn

OS map:
Sheets 14 & 15

Accessible terrain:
Unsurfaced paths, uneven and rough in places