Bloody Bridge River Walk
This scenic walk leads from the Bloody Bridge car park along the edge of the Bloody Bridge River and back again.
County Down
Distance 0.5 miles
OS Map Sheet 29
Terrain Off road, unsurfaced trail
Nearest Town Newcastle
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference J389271
Route Type Mountain
Leave the car park by its southern exit and take care crossing over the road to gain access to Bloody Bridge. Pass through the pedestrian gate and squeeze stile and follow the well worn track down the hill. This track forms part of the “Brandy Pad”, an old smugglers route. Brandy and other spirits, wine, spices, tobacco, tea, coffee, sugar and silk made their way to the secluded coves of the Mourne coast via the Isle of Man, which was outside the control of Customs and Excise at that time.
On your left you will see the Bloody Bridge, originally a ford. The name refers to a massacre at the site at the time of the 1641 rebellion. The bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning it red and so the river became known as the Bloody Bridge River.
Continue up the path as it slowly climbs the lower slopes of the mountain. You will notice some stone pitching which is there to reduce path erosion. The vegetation in the valley is principally dry heath, which is rare in a European context. Wet springs and flushes along the path are home to some unusual invertebrates, including the Keeled Skimmer, a nationally scarce dragonfly. Several noteworthy butterfly species have also been recorded, including the Green Hairstreak, the Dark Green fritillary and the Grayling. Higher up in the mountains look out for ravens, red grouse and peregrine falcons, and the Irish Hare.
Continue to follow the path as it follows the Bloody Bridge River uphill. Stop where the path crosses the river and retrace your steps to get back to the car park.
* The Bloody Bridge Coastal Path is another path that you can explore from the Bloody Bridge Car Park, as its winds its way to the south along the coastline.
Bloody bridge river, keeled skimmer dragonfly
The Bloody Bridge trail is situated on the fringe of the Mourne Mountains by the Irish Sea, 3 miles south of Newcastle on the A2 Newcastle to Kilkeel road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept on leads
Car park, interpretive panels, viewing area, toilets and picnic tables. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: Disabled toilets.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Bloody Bridge River Walk
Wonderfull and impressiv view’s leads to unforgettable moments on this historic path into the past and beautiful landscape.
This is a good, strenuous hike with some amazing views out to the Irish Sea.
There are rock pools into which you will find people diving on a summers day and Maggies Leap is at the bottom by the car park for those who prefer a scenic and less strenuous outing.