Skip to content
Lake Walk in winter at Mount Stewart, County Down
Winter at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust / Lisa Risse
Northern Ireland

Mount Stewart winter walk

Treat yourself to a gentle winter stroll around the world-class gardens and lake at Mount Stewart. On this circular route you'll discover Celtic features from the white stag guarding the family’s burial ground, to the Irish harp in the Shamrock Garden. Along the way enjoy unique views of the house and the large variety of flora and fauna reflecting the changing seasons.

Tea-room

Why not end your walk with a visit to the cosy tea-room at Mount Stewart? Warm your cockles with a variety of delicious locally sourced food, hot drinks and snacks.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Reception area Mount Stewart, OSNI grid ref: J553695

Step 1

Starting your walk from the main reception area at Mount Stewart, make your way round to the north front of the mansion. Join the wide gravelled path, which meanders left towards the lake.

Step 2

After passing a little wooden jetty you will come to a bank with a seat set into the wall. Over to the left you can spot the south facing bank, Tìr nan Òg, meaning Land of the Ever Young in Scots Gaelic.

Step 3

On reaching the bottom of the hill you can either follow the Rock Walk or the gravel walk alongside Jubilee Avenue, where you can spot the statue of the White Stag.

Step 4

Crossing the little stone bridge over the stream brings you to Lady's Walk. Following this track will shorten your walk and set you on the path back to the mansion house (please note, for the full walk route please skip this section and go to direction 5 below). Lady's Walk eventually rejoins with the gravelled path that takes you back to the mansion house where you began your walk.

Step 5

Alternatively, walk past the bridge and Lady's Walk and continue forward from Jubilee Avenue onto Rhododendron Hill, which rises up to the left. There are several paths here which take you through swathes of flowers (in the warmer months) and tree-lined tracks. Follow these round until you get a good view of house before the path descends steeply to the stone vase, north lawns and eventually back to the mansion house.

End point

Reception area Mount Stewart, OSNI grid ref: J553695

Trail map

Map route for Mount Stewart winter walk in County Down, Northern Ireland
Mount Stewart winter walk map | © Crown Copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 120099

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Child playing in Daffodils at Front of House, Mount Stewart
Place
Place

Mount Stewart 

Neo-classical house, celebrated gardens and demesne

Newtownards, County Down

Partially open today
Family spotting squirrels at the hide
Trail
Trail

Mount Stewart red squirrel trail 

How many red squirrels can you spot on the trail? A great walk for children and adults alike, around the formal gardens, lake and woodlands of Mount Stewart.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
The lake in the garden at Mount Stewart, County Down, Northern Ireland
Trail
Trail

Mount Stewart lake walk 

No matter what time of the year you visit, a walk around the lake at Mount Stewart provides plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.6 (km: 0.96)
Two women on the demesne walk at Mount Stewart, County Down in Northern Ireland
Trail
Trail

Mount Stewart Red Trail 

Explore Mount Stewart's demesne woodlands and farmland on this circular trail with an abundance of wildlife and interesting features to spot along the route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)

Get in touch

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Bluebells at Castle Ward

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Embrace the vibrant spirit of spring by stepping into the legendary landscapes of Northern Ireland. From the heights of Slieve Donard to the tranquil Lake Trail at Mount Stewart, our curated walking trails cater to all abilities, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature's blossoming beauty. Strap on your hiking boots and explore iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway, where coastal paths invite the adventurous, and ancient bogs tell tales of history on winding boardwalks. Let our trails guide you on an exploration of nature's renewal, beauty, and historical richness this season.

A meal on the table in the Tea-room with a view of the counter
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Mount Stewart 

Tuck into a menu of freshly prepared dishes made with local and seasonal produce in the tea-room, and treat yourself or someone special in the gift shop.

Visitors stopping to enjoy the view of Srtangford Lough from Mount Stewart, County Down
Article
Article

Exploring the estate at Mount Stewart 

Pull on your walking boots, choose your route and head out for a walk on the Mount Stewart estate. Spot seasonal wildlife as you go, or run wild in the natural play area.

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Article
Article

Visiting Mount Stewart with your dog 

Discover Mount Stewart with your dog. With acres of parkland to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash. Mount Stewart is a two pawprint rated place.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.