Castlewellan Forest Park – Slievenaslat Walk

(3 reviews)

This steep climb through the forest provides a series of viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and surrounding drumlin landscape of Co Down.

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Castlewellan Forest Park – Slievenaslat Walk



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  • There is quite a strenuous walk up to the summit of Slievenaslat mountain and it is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
    On a good day the views from the summit and another viewpoint are worth the effort.
    The only downside is the large number of mountain bikers, some of whom don’t seem to care about walkers in the parts where the mountain bike and pedestrian trails cross.

    Phil at 1:24 pm
  • Haven’t walked to Slievenaslat for about 20 years, but the view over the Mournes and Dundrum Bay has always been spectacular and worth the effort. Thoroughly enjoyable.

    Ewart at 10:18 am
  • A hidden gem with one of the best views of the Mournes I’ve seen – well worth the climb! The stone steps descending from the viewpoint added an interesting element to the route. I can’t recommend enough.

    ★★★★★ Lisa Nelson at 8:32 pm
  • County Down

    Distance 2.2 miles

    OS Map Sheet 29

    Terrain Strenuous including steep climbs

    Nearest Town Castlewellan

    Route Shape Circular

    Grid Reference J335364

    Route Type Forest, Hill, Lakeland, Woodland

    Route Description

    Part of the new Castlewellan Walking Trails launched in November 2014, this trail is signposted from the Lakeside car park – follow the yellow waymarkers.

    The most strenuous walk in the Park, this trail is rocky in places with numerous steps both up and down. As such it is suitable for those with a higher level of fitness and stamina.

    Starting at the Lakeside Car Park, follow the north side of the lake before starting the steep climb to the summit of Slievenaslat (272 metres). Openings within the forest and the summit itself provide panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and the drumlin landscape of Co.Down before commencing your descent.

    This is a ‘Strenuous’ trail suitable for those with a high level of fitness and stamina. Extremley variable and uneven surface including large loose material including rocks and roots. It includes long steep climbs and descents.

    This walk is situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.

    Up to date information is available on the Forest Service web site.

    Point of Interest

    Views of the Mourne Mountains, Castlewellan Castle, lake and gardens

    Getting to the start

    From Castlewellan the forest is signposted from Main Street.

    Public transport

    Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

    Facilities

    Car park (fee charged), café, toilets (disabled access), picnic areas, The Peace Maze, Activity Centre, lecture room/ classroom, camping & caravaning, orienteering route, mountain bike trails. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Disabled toilets – Disabled parking.

    Accessibility Grade

    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.