Granite Trail

Contact Details

Website: http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=333

Covering a relatively short distance from coast to open moorland, the Granite Trail offers the opportunity to see artifacts from the once thriving granite industry of Mourne. Differing natural habitats can be enjoyed as you walk through coniferous forest and mature woodland beside mountain streams and rivers.

Distance:

3 miles

Start Point:

J381296

Finish Point:

J381296

Point of interest:

Harbour and Town, Natural Habitat

Nearest town:

Newcastle

Getting to the start:

There is a car park available at Newcastle Harbour, South Promenade Newcastle. This is on the main A2 road from Newcastle to Kilkeel. Regular buses are available to Newcastle from Belfast and Newry. The Granite Trail commences opposite Newcastle Harbour.

OS map:

Sheet 29

Terrain:

Steep inclines, forest tracks

Route:

Starting from Newcastle Harbour the Granite Trail leads off to Bogie Hill and up onto King Street. A sign marks the direction to commence the trail. Here sees the start of the old Bogie Line, a cleared strip of forest on a 1 in 3 incline up towards Millstone Quarry.

At the top of Donard Wood and over the stile, follow the path right past Millstone Mountain Quarry and onto the viewpoint near Thomas’s Mountain Quarry.

From here proceed into Donard Wood until reaching a bridge on the Glen River, cross the bridge and head downhill to another bridge.

Cross the bridge and proceed downhill on right hand side of river until reaching a 3rd bridge.

At this bridge track right through Annesley Demesne The path continues through the woodland before coming out at the road opposite a school.

Turn right, passing the Gate Lodge and continue along King St. After approx. 200m turn left down Bath Lane following the steep steps down towards the sea. On reaching the Main Rd once more, cross over the road and turn right following the footpath along the sea wall. A short 400m walk takes you back to the start.

Facilities:

Wide range of eateries to suit all tastes in Newcastle.

Accessible terrain:

Steep ascents and descents, concrete paths & steps, off road paths on open hillside and through forest. The path is uneven in places with roots, rocks etc. May be slippery.

Publication:

The Granite Trail, Newcastle, Co. Down

Publication availability:

You can pick up a copy of this at Newcastle Tourist Information Centre. Tel: 028 4372 2222