Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From The Square car park in Rostrevor, go along Bridge Street to the Fairy Glen, by the bridge at the entrance to Kilbroney Park, and follow the path up the east bank of the Kilbroney River under the trees to Forestbrook. The walk then takes the forest road east and south down through Rostrevor Forest to Kilbroney Park by the café. A track and lane lead back across the slope above the river to the village.
It is 3.2 km round with 45 m of ascent; allow about 1 hour. The grade is Easy: riverside path and forest road, with some stiles and steps and a stretch of public road.
Outmore NI says the road section is a public road and that the walk has stiles and steps; dogs must be kept under close control. nidirect says there may occasionally be restricted access to parts of Rostrevor Forest during work, with an ongoing programme of felling and replanting.
The Square car park is tagged free in OpenStreetMap with a 12-hour limit and 18 spaces. Kilbroney Park has a café with accessible toilets.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Outmore NI gives the Fairy Glen circular walk as 2.3 miles, up the east bank of the Kilbroney River to Forestbrook and back through Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Park.
- Visit Mourne, Gullion and Strangford gives the Fairy Glen alone as half a mile each way, up the east side of the river.
- Outmore NI says the road section on Newtown Road is a public road and the walk has stiles and steps.
- Kilbroney Park has a café with accessible toilets (Outmore NI).
Getting there
Start: The Square car park, Rostrevor · Free parking. 54.10140, -6.19864
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around The Square car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.