Hillsborough Forest, Fox Fort Trail
County Down
Distance 1.9 miles
OS Map
Terrain Moderate, steep in places
Nearest Town Hillsborough
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J248585
Route Type Forest, Woodland
The tree fringed lake attracts a wide variety of wildfowl, ancient rath
The main A1 Belfast to Dublin road passes close by the village, with access signposted via the roundabout at the north end of the village and easy access over a bridge at the south end. The Forest entrance is located at the end of Park Street and this is signposted from the main road through the village.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Must be kept on a lead.
Car parking / picnic facilities / ice cream and confectionery is sold from a mobile van. Several cafes, restaurants and shops are located close by in the village. Public toilets with wheelchair access are available at Hillsborough Fort and in the village beside. The Lake is also a publicly owned fishery (stocked with rainbow trout). Fishing is by permit only, issued by DCAL Inland Fisheries.
Grade
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Walk Route
Hillsborough Forest, Fox Fort Trail
The boundary is partially rough terrain with multiple tree roots and it can sometimes be very muddy and slippery. Walking shoes are needed for this path. This can only be walked by people with good mobility.
The lake contains multiple bird types, eg, swans, geese, ducks, cormorants and grey heron.
The fort is worth visiting and there is a childrens’ playpark.
Parking was free when I visited.