Slievenacloy – Stoneyford River
Experience the lowland meadow & rush pasture habitats of Slievenacloy, some of the rarest grassland habitat in Ulster. Drop down into the sheltered valley where you may see Irish hare while you explore the species rich banks of the Stoneyford River. Due to grazing animals dogs must be kept on leads.
County Antrim
Distance 1.5 miles
OS Map Sheets 14 & 15
Terrain Off-road paths, rough pasture
Nearest Town Stoneyford near Lisburn
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J250713
Route Type Hill
Walk west from the farmhouse following the surfaced trackway & the red orchid markers. At Viewpoint 1 turn left and follow the surfaced track down the hill. At the bottom of the hill go through the kissing gate, turn left & follow the road for a short distance until you are able to cross over & enter the far side of the reserve through a pedestrian gate.
Follow the rough track towards the field gate, pausing to read about the enigmatic earth ring that lies within this field. Once through the gate follow the waymarker posts across the hillside & down the slope to the bridge. Cross the Stoneyford river and follow the waymarker posts up the far slope to the fenceline. Follow the fenceline east, watching out for wet and boggy areas.
Waymarker posts will again guide you down the slopes & back over the Stoneyford river. Follow the rough track up the slope to the Flowbog Road, crossing through a pedestrian gate. You will see the main entrance to your left. Head through the double gates and make your way back up the hill to the farmhouse.
An enigmatic earthwork of uncertain date, wildlife
Found off the Flowbog Road with parking available. Ring the Ulster Wildlife for further details 028 4483 0282 or see link below to Ulster Wildlife website.
Dogs must be kept on leads
Visitors should park where they can find a safe spot, for example across one of the double gates at the start of the path leading to the derelict farmhouse, leaving space for tractor access. Refreshments can be bought from the Glen Colin filling station
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Slievenacloy – Stoneyford River