Tollymore Forest Park and the Shimna River
Stepping stones, follies and old bridges along the Shimna River, in Northern Ireland's first forest park.
- Distance
- 5.1 km
- Ascent
- 180 m
- Time
- 1.5–2 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 203 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Tollymore Forest Park and the Shimna River is an easy 5.1 km circular walk with 180 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts at Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford (grid reference SB 426 876).
Tollymore was Northern Ireland's first forest park, and its Shimna River is lined with stone bridges, stepping stones, a hermitage and other 18th-century follies. This loop follows the river upstream through tall woodland.
It crosses back by one of the old bridges and returns through the forest. Fans may recognise parts of it as filming locations from Game of Thrones.
Route
-
1
Up the Shimna
Follow the river upstream past the hermitage and stepping stones.
-
2
Back through the forest
Cross by an old stone bridge and return through the woods.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Tollymore Forest Park and the Shimna River take?
- Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 5.1 km route, which has 180 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford (grid reference SB 426 876). Car park in the forest park (charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Forest tracks and riverside paths; stepping stones (with a bridge alternative).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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