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About
Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Royal Hillsborough and sits just a few minutes walk from Hillsborough Castle, adjacent to Hillsborough Fort. A popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone.
Visitors can enjoy upgraded pathways throughout, stunning lakeside viewpoints with seating, additional picnic benches, extra car-parking facilities, and a state-of-the-art woodland-themed outdoor children's play area. The whole of the lake area is a forest wildlife sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of birds and animals. Look out for the many species of resident and over-wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of ducks.
Two red graded forest trails allow the casual walker access around the lake and to the back of the forest past the Fox Fort rath. Each trail commences from the entrance at the car park, where colour coded trail waymarked discs can be followed throughout the park.
The Lake Trail - This 1.8km circular route explores the lakeshore and surrounding woodland. The route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. There are many adjoining paths to explore if you wish to shorten or lengthen your route as well as viewpoints with seating for those that wish to stop, relax and enjoy the views.
Fox Fort Trail - This 3.4km circular route starts at the lake before exploring further into the forest around the outer boundary of the park to the Fox Fort Rath. Most of this trail is flat with wide pathways, apart from the short loop through the Fox Fort Rath which is hilly and narrower on the ascent. The woodland themed playground is accessed from the trail before returning to the lakeside and finishing back at the carpark.
Digital Sculpture Trail - This flat, 1.9km circular trail allows visitors to explore 10 sculptures with an exciting, augmented reality App that takes you through the forest leading you from one sculpture to the next.
Accessibility - All three trails are relatively flat with wide pathways. The Fox Fort Rath loops up and around a short, steep hill, however this can easily be omitted from the trail if required. There are a number of seats for rests along all three trails, some of which are located on stunning lakeside viewpoints.
Facilities
Catering
- Picnic Area - Picnic tables are located beside the car park at the entrance to the lake. Catering is available from the coffee truck located to the right of the main entrance to the lake as well as at the entrance to the Children’s Play-park.
Children & Infants
- Children's outdoor play area
Establishment Features
- Toilets - Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available at the Children’s Playpark within the forest.
- Visitor information - During the summer months available from the Tourism Trailer located by the entrance car park.
Leisure Facilities
- Outdoor activities
Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Substantial free parking is available for 137 cars. There are 6 dedicated marked bays available for disabled visitors. Overflow parking is also available during weekends and school holidays. Bicycle racks are available for visitors who wish to cycle to the park, however bicycles are not permitted on the forest trails.
