Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor - Southern Mournes

Grade: Moderate, with some steep parts

Note: Please drive up to the very top car park.
Don't park in the main car park where the centre is. Please note there is now a £5 charge for the car park in Kilbroney - another good reason to try to car share as much as possible.

Once compared to the Bay of Naples by George Bernard Shaw, this stunning walk is part of the Mourne Way. There are facilities (toilets, coffee) in the main car park at Kilbroney Park.

We will meet at the top car park at 11am, drive up the hill as far as you can (see pictures below)
Here's a pin for the top car park, it's up the hill until the road runs out!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZmyzREfXVmkqXqTV6

Depending on the weather on the day, we'll either go for the hilltops or else we'll follow the Cloughmore Trail to Fiddlers Green and Rostrevor forest. We'll see the Cloughmore Stone; even from this point the views are spectacular.

As we ascend we'll take in the scenery across the Kilbroney Valley and the hills beyond, and glimpse the views to the south-west across Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains in Co Louth.

The start of the walk is quite steep but it gets better for the most part and the views are really worth it! As always, we'll take our time. There is a short but steep climb to the summit of Slievemartin itself though this part is optional.

Bring a packed lunch and we'll eat along the way, enjoying the stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the mountains surrounding it.

We'll go for coffee afterwards in Rostrevor.

Bring a fleece just in case. Proper sturdy walking boots/shoes only and poles if you use them.
You need footwear that supports your ankles and have grip/tread. Trainers are the absolute worst. You put yourself and other walkers at risk of injury without safe walking gear. I will refuse people entry if they haven't turned out with proper footwear. If you're bringing a guest make sure they are aware of this.

This walk is £6 for guests and non members. It's £1 for paid up members.

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The village of Rostrevor is on the A2 and is midway between Newry and Kilkeel. Rostrevor is a 20 minute drive from Newry and approximately one hour from Belfast.
From Rostrevor follow the signs to Rostrevor Forest & Kilbroney.

Post up if you need a lift and hopefully someone can oblige. Please remember to share the fuel costs with your driver.

As always my number is 07583 042962 if you are lost or late.