Tardree Forest Walk

(2 reviews)

At 336 hectares, Tardree is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest state forests and provides ample opportunity for walking. The gradient of the walk is moderate, with some steep sections along the way.

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Tardree Forest Walk



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  • Great wintery walk around Tardree Forest this New Year’s. Lots of snow and ice which transformed it into a winter wonderland, got to do some Geocaching as well which was great and plenty of parking available from the Parkgate Road side of the forest.

    Nicholas Davis at 2:23 pm
  • Went up to the forest and would agree that it is very bad signage and you could get lost. The other disappointing thing was the amount of irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to foul the walkways. They seem to think because no one can see them that it is alright to allow their dogs to foul all over the place.

    John Mulholland at 11:24 am
  • County Antrim

    Distance 2.5 miles

    OS Map Sheet 14

    Terrain Moderate, off-road paths

    Nearest Town Parkgate

    Route Shape Circular

    Grid Reference J186933

    Route Type Hill, Woodland

    Route Description

    From the car park, follow the red route as indicated by painted arrows on woodland posts. After several turns, the track clears the forest and views open up ahead towards the windfarm on Elliots Hill. Soon after, the Belfast Hills come into view towards the south. Continuing ahead, as you turn the bend and begin a sharp descent along the track, Slemish Mountain comes into view. As you walk downhill you soon pass Tardree Geological Nature Reserve on your left. Then continue to follow the red arrows for another kilometre or so, before the path eventually leads you back to the starting point at Duncan’s car park.

    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.

    Point of Interest

    Views of Belfast Hills and Slemish Mountain, old quarry

    Getting to the start

    Follow the signs for Parkgate from Templepatrick. Just after reaching Parkgate, turn left onto the Connor Road. After 5km, turn right, following the sign into Tardree Forest.

    Facilities

    Car parking, picnic facilities