Located just off the Main Street in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Forest is a great spot for a ramble in nature. It’s a popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers as well as romantic couples, keep fit enthusiasts and families. The forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone through an attractive blend of coniferous and decidious trees.
Key Facts
| Location | The Forest entrance is located at the end of Park Street and this is signposted from the main road through the village of Hillsborough, Co Down. |
| Cost | Free |
| Car Parking | There are two car parks available and there is no charge for them. |
| Refreshments | A mobile coffee wagon is available in the car park which offers teas, coffees, light snacks and ice cream. Hillsborough’s Main Street is only a short distance away and there are many eateries there including the Vintage Rooms, Humble Pie Coffee Shop and the Owl and the Pussycat Coffee Shop. |
The Walks
There are two main walks, the Red Walk and the Blue Walk. Both are circular and you can walk in an anti-clockwise or clockwise direction from the car park. I usually prefer to walk clockwise.
The Red Walk is known as the Fox Fort Trail and it is 2.2 miles. It mainly follows the outer boundary of the forest but it includes a short hilly section around the Fox Fort Rath. You can leave that loop out if you don’t fancy tackling the hill. Part of the walk is through coniferous forestry while other sections hug the lake. The amazing children’s play park is along the Red Walk.
The Blue Walk is known as the Lake Trail and it is 1.1 miles. It hugs the lake very closely and includes a number of viewpoints where you can stop to admire the birdlife and the scenery.
You can also have a “Do It Yourself” walk where you take in part of the Red or Blue Walks but also walk on other forest paths.
Paths are gravel and mostly flat. There are a few puddles on wet days so don’t wear your high heels!
What not to miss
- The mute swans – they are very tame and love to be fed. But please don’t feed them bread but opt for oats, sweetcorn, lettuce or seeds instead which are healthier options for them. Other birds of the lake include mallard ducks, black-headed gulls, little grebes, moorhens, grey herons and even kingfishers.
- Hillsborough Fort which was built by Peter Hill in 1630. The square fort features a parapet wall and was granted Royal Fort status by Charles II.
- The rope bridge
- The play park – provided you are aged between 1 and 14!
- Look up as you walk to see the huge canopy of trees above you.
- Take a minute to hug a tree – feel the texture of the bark.
The Lake
Hillsborough Lake is a man-made artificial lake that was built in the late 18th century. It has two large dams:
- The West Dam (beside the car park) – 220m long and 4m high
- The Church Dam (between the fort and the forest) – 110m long and 4m high
The Verdict
- Scenery – beautiful lake and mature woodland – 4/5
- Toilets – located within play park and quite basic – 2/5
- Car parking – plentiful spaces during the week but busy at weekends – 4/5
- Walks – nice flat paths which are well signposted and a circular route. Choice of distances so you can repeat loops if you want a longer walk – 5/5
- Refreshments – coffee van is ok but there are other options within the village – 3/5
- Value for money – it’s free – 5/5
Overall verdict – one of my favourite places for a 30 – 60 minute walk in scenic surroundings – 23/30
Another great blog Lynda. Totally agree with you regarding all the aspects you covered. Another good point in its favour is the shelter the trees give when it rains. The thick canopy or trees gives good shelter in many parts of the walk.
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That’s very true Siofra. The dense woodland in places gives good protection if it rains.
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