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About
Situated in the stunning location of Kilbroney Forest Park, and overlooking Carlingford Lough, the circular Cloughmore Trail leads to the gigantic, 50 tonne granite boulder.
Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour 46 minutes to complete and is a popular trail for hiking, running and walking.
According to local folklore, the Big Stone was thrown across Carlingford Lough by Finn McCool during a fight with a giant rival. Chloch Mhor - Irish for "big stone" was a gathering place at different times of the year for people from local townlands. The nearby viewpoint offers spectacular views over Carlingford Lough and the surrounding upland landscapes.
The walk starts in the upper car park (way-marker no. 1)
Follow the trail uphill until you reach the big stone (way-marker no.3).
Enjoy the views from this great vantage point before following the way-markers downhill as you make your way to a further viewpoint area before reaching the Fiddler’s Green. The latter, small clearing is located at the southern end of the ancient oakwood and was once a focal point for local entertainment. This custom is maintained in the annual Fiddler’s Green traditional music festival, which uses the green as well as other venues across the village.
Continue on the trail through the ancient oakwood until you rejoin the main road which leads up past the main car park/café/reception area (way-marker no. 15).
Follow the way-markers as you begin your ascent towards the upper car park, completing this circular route walk.
It is also an option to start and finish from the main car park (way-marker no 15) bearing in mind that when you reach the upper car park and pass way-marker no.22 that the next way-marker will be 1.
Things to look out for ...
Ancient Oakwood Trees
To the east of Rostrevor, and covering the steep lower slopes of Slievemartin, is Rostrevor National nature Reserve. This pure oak woodland, with an understorey of holly, almost certainly regenerated naturally following felling in the 1700's. The site features many native plants found in ancient Irish woods.
Fiddler's Green
Fiddler's Green is a small clearing at the southern edge of the ancient Oakwood. It was once a focal point for local entertainment - this custom is maintained in the annual Fiddler's Green traditional music festival, which uses the green as well as venues across the village
The Fairy Glen
A linen mill was built at Forestbrook (at the top of the Fairy Glen) during the Americal Civil War, when the linen trade was booming. The mill owner had decided to build a road along the river to avoid Chapel hill. However, when the industry went into decline, the road was never finished. Notice how the Fairy Glen Path is wide and that the start, yet narrow and undulating for its remainder.
The Glen Stream
At the turn of the century (1900), the Great Northern Railway Company took over the Mourne Hotel (originally opened for business in 1876) and it was renamed the "Great Northern". The Glen Stream once helped to provide electric for this hotel, which was just one of many fine hotels at Rostrevor Quay.
Distance - 4km
Terrain - Steep inclines, forest tracks.
Facilities
Facilities within Kilbroney Park include: Kilbroney Tree Trail, Narnia Trail, Fairy Glen, Mountain Bike Trails, Rostrevor Mountain Bike Centre, Caravan Park, Café, Toilets, Car Park, Children’s Play Park, Adult outdoor gym. In addition, there is a wide range of restaurants/cafes/shops in Rostrevor to suit all tastes.
Publication
You can pick up a copy of the Narnia and Cloughmore Trails brochure at the reception building in Kilbroney or in some of the local businesses.
