Granite Trail
| County | Distance | OS Map |
| Down | 3 miles | Sheet 29 |
| Nearest Town | Route Shape | RouteType |
| Newcastle | Circular | Forest, Woodland |
| Terrain | Grid Reference (Start) | Grid Reference (Finish) |
| Steep inclines, forest tracks | J381296 | J381296 |
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.
| Point of Interest | Harbour and Town, Natural Habitat |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | Mournes |
| Route Description | 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. |
| 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. |
| Facilities | Wide range of eateries to suit all tastes in Newcastle. |
| Accessible Toilet Facilities | No |
| 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. |
| Accessible Signage | N/A |
| 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 |
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3 feedback comments have been left by readers about Granite Trail:
Walked this route today in surprisingly warm autumn sunshine. Parked in Donard Park and started off up the Glen River path then straight across the first bridge and through the woodland to King Street before the lung bursting Bogie Line - but what a view while refilling the oxygen tanks at the wee hut. The views of South Down and further afield were even better from the quarry where we stopped for a quick drink and a bicky before going down through Donard wood,to the Glen River and back to the car park. This is mainly the route in the Down District Council leaflet but could be better signposted on the route. The almost total absence of litter was a welcome change from previous visits.
Excellent route. Walked this trail yesterday for the first time. I would recomend going on a very clear day for the best views and starting at Donnard Park if you don't like walking up steps. It took me 2 hours 40 minutes at an easy pace and I had plenty of time to stop for photos and a snack at the point. I posted some pictures at http://twitpic.com/photos/w_ayne
I walked that Route on the 5th of June as I was Advised By a Friend to do it in Reverse so I gave it a Go I climbed the Glen River Path as if I was going to do the Donard trail and when I reached the 3rd Bridgh turned Left and then Lveel Path for a Mile or so went up to a White Shed by the Quarry and rested By the Landmark sign and then Carried on Downhill over two Stiles till I reached the Small wooden Hut and then Carried on Downhill till I reached a Archway Leading to the Harbour turned Left at the Bogie Carraige and followed Blue Marker Back to Donard Park Bit of Navigation Needed as you have to Ford a Stream if water is Flowing do not do it when in Spate and Back to the start in Donard Park that Path should Be Signposted in Both Directions and as the Turn off at all the Bridges in Case any Body wants to alternate the Route
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