Granite Trail (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

About

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.

Start Point:
J381296

Finish Point:
J381296

Route:
There are 3 component parts to this trail, providing the walker with a range of possible options or combinations.  • Bogie Line • Drinneevar Loop • Donard Loop Starting from DONARD PARK (Donard Loop & Bogie Line) Follow the DONARD LOOP on the map through Donard Wood to the rear of the YMCA and through some sharp zig zag turns until you come to the 3rd bridge.  Cross the bridge and continue along the forest road which leads to Thomas’s Mountain Quarry. There is a granite viewpoint just beyond the quarry.  The trail then leads you in the direction of the BOGIE LINE. Millstone Quarry can be accessed via a path to your right hand side which exits at the other side of the quarry (take care if walking over loose spoil !).  Continue along the trail until you come to the stile beside the edge of Donard Wood.  To access the BOGIE LINE, cross the stile beside the Shoddy Hut and continue downhill towards King Street and Bogie Hill.  Take care when crossing the road ! Continue walking along the footpath in the direction of Newcastle town centre - Information on the SS Great Britain is available just before the PSNI station. Continue in the direction of the town centre until you come to the beginning of the Promenade (across from River House). Take Care when crossing the road – this takes you back to your starting point in Donard Park.  WARNING - The trail includes quarries with loose spoil, old workings and unprotected drops.  It is recommended that visitors keep to the trail.

Distance:
3 miles

Terrain:
Steep inclines, forest tracks

Point of interest:
Harbour and Town, Natural Habitat

Facilities:
Wide range of eateries to suit all tastes in Newcastle.

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. Alternatively, it is available to download on this page.

Nearest town:
Newcastle

OS map:
Sheet 29