2.5 miles
Loop
Moderate
Tardree Forest Walk
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
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.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Views of Belfast Hills and Slemish Mountain, old quarry
- Facilities Car parking, picnic facilities
- 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.
- Level of Difficulty Moderate TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Moderately challenging trails of varying widths with some short, steep climbs and descents. The surface may vary throughout, be slippery and uneven in places. Expect there to be obstacles like exposed roots, narrow gates, stiles and long sets of steps.
Outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
