Area: Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Distance: 1.2 miles circular.
Map: Sheet 29 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services osni.gov.uk or nidirect.gov.uk/map-shop-information.
Nearest town to start: Castlewellan.
Facilities: Natural Play Area located at the start of the trail. Cafe and toilet facilities in Castlewellan.
Developed By: Outdoor Recreation NI; maintained by Outdoor Recreation NI and Down District Council.
Terrain: Gravel paths suitable for those with limited mobility and prams.
Walk Description: Enjoy some quality family time at Bunker's Hill family walk and play trail.
Located less than a mile from Castlewellan town centre this walk is signposted just off Circular Road beside the Irish-medium primary school, Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche. The play trail here was the first of its kind in Castlewellan, designed along with the walking trail to bring a new lease of life to this forest felled due to larch disease.
Made almost entirely out of natural materials, the kids will have a blast playing on the basket swings, scaling the lookout tower and bespoke climbing wall overlooking Slievenaslat. The top of the wall was cut by the play trail designers to emphasis this viewpoint and show off the silhouette of the mountain.
The fully signposted multi-use trail starts and finishes at the play trail and is suitable for those with pushchairs making it a firm favourite amongst families with young children.
Opposite the play trail entrance, turn right and follow the waymarkers as the path climbs steadily towards a small patch of trees. Seats have been provided at various points so be sure to take some time out and enjoy the spectacular views towards Slieve Croob and the surrounding countryside, Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. Continue along the path as it winds gradually downhill and around the perimeter of the forest before returning to the entrance of the Natural Play Trail.
While in the area why not visit the nearby Castlewellan Forest Park and enjoy a whole network of trails as well as the newly refurbished Peace Maze and new Animal Wood natural play area?
Responsible Walking: Please remember to practice the principles of 'Leave No Trace' when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit leavenotraceireland.org.
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Disclaimer: This information has been provided by WalkNI.com in association with The Irish News. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, neither WalkNI.com nor The Irish News can accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly.
