Cregagh Wood

Start : St Patricks Church on the Glendun Rd. (BT44 0PZ) Grid ref D 233 321

(S/E) Keeping the church car park behind you on your left, continue walking on the Glendun Rd (South-West) until you see a wooden post indicating the entrance to Cregagh Wood on the right hand side of the road (around 300 m).

(1) Enter the Wood through the black iron gate. From here there is a very steep incline to the first way marker post. Continue uphill until the way markers instruct you to veer left. After this continue making your way through the wood following the way markers as you weave in and out of interesting trees and enjoy the natural tranquility of this peaceful wood.

Along the route, approximately three quarters of a mile into the walk you will pass a number of historical features including an Old Blacksmith’s Forge and the remnants of an old road. A few hundred metres after this follow the way markers to descend back down to the boundary wall of the wood where you will spot squirrel boxes in the trees and end at a wooden structure which is the Cregagh Wood Viewing Hide.

(2) The walk is waymarked both ways so you can either return via the same route through the wood or walk back via the Glendun Rd (approx. 0.5 miles) with stunning countryside views of the Glens by turning left (South) on the road. Walk around 700 m down to the road junction with Glendun Road where you turn left again to walk back to the start. (S/E)

Start : St Patricks Church on the Glendun Rd. (BT44 0PZ) Grid ref D 233 321

Driving to start : From Cushendun Caravan Park (BT44 0PX) head along the Glendun Rd for approximately 1 mile until you see the church and carpark on your left.

Parking : Carparking is available at the St Patricks Church on the Glendun Rd.

Terrain : Uneven forest with steep steps. Note this walk can be muddy underfoot therefore appropriate walking shoes should be worn.

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : The nearest toilet / café facilities are situated in Cushendun

Dog Policy : Dogs must be kept under control

Note : The walk is waymarked both ways so you can either return via the same route through the wood or walk back via the Glendun Rd (approx. 0.5 miles) with stunning countryside views of the Glens.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Along the route, approximately three quarters of a mile into the walk you will pass a number of historical features including an Old Blacksmith’s Forge and the remnants of an old road. A few hundred metres after this follow the way markers to descend back down to the boundary wall of the wood where you will spot squirrel boxes in the trees and end at a wooden structure which is the Cregagh Wood Viewing Hide. Run by the Glens Red Squirrel Group, access to the hide can be arranged in advance see http://glensredsquirrelgroup.com/cregagh-hide/ for more information.

Red squirrel hide