Hillsborough Forest – Lake Walk
Set within 150 acres of mixed woodlands this is the ideal place to walk and relax in nature. The forest is rich with bird life and larger mammals, including foxes and badgers may also be seen. Fishing, by permit only, is also available.
The forest is open from dawn till dusk every day. Admission and car parking is free.
Within Hillsborough Forest, the 17th Century Hillsborough Fort can be seen, built on the sight of an old stronghold, founded by Peter Hill in 1630. The square fort features a parapet wall and was granted Royal Fort status by Charles II.
County Down
Distance 1.3 miles
OS Map Sheet 20
Terrain Moderate, steep in places
Nearest Town Hillsborough
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J240584
Route Type Forest, Woodland
From the main car park follow the path to the lake. Here the choice is yours whether to follow the trail around the lake in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. This trail passes Hillsborough Fort, managed by NI Environment Agency and is accessible from the path. Look out for the many species of resident and over wintering waterfowl, especially swans and several varieties of duck.
These walks are 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 – link below.
The tree fringed lake attracts a wide variety of wildfowl, ancient rath
The main A1 Belfast to Dublin road passes close by the village, with access signposted via the roundabout at the north end of the village and easy access over a bridge at the south end. The Forest entrance is located at the end of Park Street and this is signposted from the main road through the village.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
All dogs should be kept under proper control. Dogs must not be allowed to foul on footpaths – please clear up and use the dog fould bins provided at the forest car park and at several points en route around the forest trails.
Car parking / picnic facilities / ice cream and confectionery is sold from a mobile van. Several cafes, restaurants and shops are located close by in the village. Public toilets with wheelchair access are available at Hillsborough Fort and in the village beside. The Lake is also a publicly owned fishery (stocked with rainbow trout). Fishing is by permit only, issued by DCAL Inland Fisheries.
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
Hillsborough Forest – Lake Walk
A wonderful walk with young children. Paths are flat for buggies, scooters and bikes. Lots of dens, bug huts and forestry to explore. The children’s play park was really impressive too. And free admission/parking! We will definitely be back.