Ballyroney Lake and Bog

fr

Lovely walk around the small hamlet of Ballyroney, on the banks of the Upper River Bann. Formerly a raised bog, but now completely cut over, Lackan Bog represents one of the largest single blocks of lowland peat left in County Down. 13 out of 22 Irish species have been spotted in the bog. The best time to see them is between March and October.

Details

n°30102755
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.86 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 164 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 174 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 328 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 236 ft
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Description of the walk

Start : The village of Ballyroney is located between Rathfriland and Dromara off the B7. At Ballyroney take Lackan Road (signed for Castlewellan). Continue for approx. 1.5 miles to first X-roads (Lackan/Flush and Crabtree Roads). Park with consideration on grass verge at side of Lackan Road before X-roads. Coming from Ballyroney Crabtree Road is the road to the right (up the hill).

(S/E) From the parking place at the Lackan Road, follow the Crabtree Hill road uphill (South-West).

(1) A footpath sign on the left (South) located beside a cottage will direct you down towards the lake. Continue for around 700 m until you reach the stile.

(2) Crossing over turn right (West) and follow the field boundary towards Annahinchigo / Hunshigo Lake. Continuing you will reach another stile which leads past a cottage on the lake shore onto a short-enclosed section of path with a further two stiles to climb. The third stile will bring you into a large open field which runs down to the lakeshore.

(3) Near the lakeshore look out for another stile in the fence line to the right.

If you come to the farmyard you have passed the stile and will need to retrace your steps.

Pass through this stile which opens in a V – walking away from the lakeshore. Stay to the right as you pass through two open fields. Continue until you will reach a wooden field gate and stile leading into a bog rampart. Continue until this section of path meets a surfaced lane.

(4) Turn left here (away from the old house) and continue along the lane following the waymarkers, until you reach the Crabtree Rd.

(5) Take a left (West) into the Crabtree Rd and continue to its junction with the Bannfield Rd (around 700 m).

(6) Take a right (North) into Bannfield Rd and continue. This road climbs a hill before following the River Bann. Continue to its junction with the Dromara Road (B7).

(7) Turn right (North) into the Dromara Road and stay on this road through Ballyroney using the public footpath where available (around 2.3 Km). Pass by Ballyroney Lake.

(8) Take a right (South-East) into the second road on the right, Dicksons Hill Rd. Continue along this road looking out for the finger post reading ‘Green Road Footpath’ pointing across an open field.

(9) Pass through the stile here and cross field to the next stile which leads onto the ‘Green Road’. Please keep to the waymarked path. The bog rampart can be very uneven and potholed with animal burrowing, watch your step! Follow the path to the Lackan Rd (around 1.8 Km).

(10) On meeting this road turn left to return to the starting point. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 276 ft - X-roads (Lackan/Flush and Crabtree Roads)
  2. 1 : mi 0.19 - alt. 315 ft - Footpath (turn left)
  3. 2 : mi 0.62 - alt. 269 ft - Annahinchigo / Hunshigo Lake (turn right)
  4. 3 : mi 0.82 - alt. 269 ft - Fence line (turn right)
  5. 4 : mi 1.09 - alt. 276 ft - Surfaced lane
  6. 5 : mi 1.41 - alt. 279 ft - Crabtree Rd
  7. 6 : mi 1.8 - alt. 269 ft - Bannfield Rd
  8. 7 : mi 2.88 - alt. 253 ft - Dromara Road
  9. 8 : mi 4.35 - alt. 256 ft - Dicksons Hill Rd
  10. 9 : mi 4.62 - alt. 269 ft - Green Road Footpath
  11. 10 : mi 5.78 - alt. 285 ft - Lackan Rd
  12. S/E : mi 5.86 - alt. 272 ft - X-roads (Lackan/Flush and Crabtree Roads)

Notes

Start : The village of Ballyroney is located between Rathfriland and Dromara off the B7.

Parking : At Ballyroney take Lackan Road (signed for Castlewellan). Continue for approx. 1.5 miles to first X-roads (Lackan/Flush and Crabtree Roads). Park with consideration on grass verge at side of Lackan Road before X-roads. Coming from Ballyroney Crabtree Road is the road to the right (up the hill).

Terrain : Rough lanes and roads

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Shops and facilities in Rathfriland (approx. 1.5 mile) Small shop at Ballyward (approx. 2.5 miles)

Note : Please note sections of this walk at Annahinchigo Lake include open field used for grazing cattle.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Worth a visit

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