Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan Forest Park – Outdoor activities in Co Down

Castlewellan Forest Park

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails,  an onsite multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre, Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more making it a must-visit.

With flowing singletrack and panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains, the Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails offer a wide variety of exciting trails to suit everyone from beginners and families right through to experienced riders. The green and blue trails are ideal for learning ‘biking basics’ and developing techniques whereas the longer red trail with black options will suit more experienced mountain bikers looking for that all important adrenaline rush. The Pump Track (located at the trailhead) is perfect for honing your bike handling skills!

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground the forest park has a 7.5 mile (12 kilometers) walk trail network featuring breath-taking views to the Mourne Mountains as well as some of the oldest and rarest existing trees in the British Isles.  All the trails start from the Lakeside Car Park and take in many of the key points of interest including the Annesley Garden and Arboretum (a mixture of informal and formal design with terraces, fountains, ornamental gates and flower borders and home to some of the oldest existing specimens in the British Isles) and Moorish Tower as well as maximising the iconic views of the Mourne Mountains from the summit of Slievenaslat.

The Peace Maze is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze.

Visit the Life Centre website

Castlwellan Forest Park