Slievenacloy - Stoneyford River

Distance:

2.5 miles

Start Point:

J250713

Finish Point:

J250713

Point of interest:

An enigmatic earthwork of uncertain date, wildlife

Nearest town:

Stoneyford near Lisburn

OS map:

Sheets 14 & 15

Terrain:

Off-road paths, rough pasture

Route:

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.

Facilities:

Parking is available at the farmhouse. Refreshments can be bought from the Glen Colin filling station at the junction of the Ballycolin/Colin Glen Road, or at the Ballymac Hotel on the Rock Road. There are toilet facilities on site however you need to contact the UWT to arrange for these to be opened.

Accessible terrain:

Unsurfaced paths, uneven and rough in places

Publication:

Welcome to Slievenacloy

Publication availability:

Download below or phone the Ulster Wildlife Trust 028 4483 0282.

Getting to the start by public transport:

Found off the Flowbog Road with parking available. Ring the Ulster Wildlife Trust for further details 028 4483 0282