Red Squirrel trail
The trail takes in the path around the lake, formal and informal gardens including Rhododendron Hill as an alternative route.
Map
Start:
Reception area at Mount Stewart
1
Start at Mount Stewart reception and make your way to the front of the house via the courtyard.
2
Make your way through the gate into the formal gardens, pass the Sunk Garden and use the stone steps to make your way down into the Italian Garden. Walk straight ahead towards the black and gold metal gate which brings you into the Lily Wood.
Italian Garden
There is a richness to the Italian Garden unequalled elsewhere, in its architectural detail, its planting and a humorous allegory. Lady Londonderry was known as Circe, the sorceress goddess Odysseus’ sailors meet on the most westerly Isle the Greeks knew of. Circe turned half of Odysseus’ crew into pigs and their faces and that of Circe are depicted on the herms on the southern wall of the Italian Garden.
3
Make your way through the Lily Wood until you reach the path, follow the path towards the lake.
Lily Wood
The area we now know as the Lily Wood began life as an unassuming piece of woodland forming a part of the shelterbelt around the garden. Lord Londonderry enjoyed pigeon shooting in this wood, but by 1939, Lady Londonderry had other designs. Edith had a passion for Lilies and Meconopsis and many other woodland plants. These she clumped in large drifts along the various woodland margins she created.
4
Follow the path around the lake.
Wildlife
Look out for swans and other wildlife which inhabit the lake area, in May/June see the newborn cygnets.
5
Make your way towards Tir N'an Òg, the family's burial ground high up on the hill.
Tir n’an Òg
This is the family's private burial ground and the resting place of Lord and Lady Londonderry, protected by a turreted wall, ornamental gates and statues of Irish saints. The White Stag statue, placed near the family burial ground, hints at Lady Londonderry's interest in Celtic myths, where it is seen as a guide to heaven and represents the near proximity of the other world.
6
Continue around the path until you reach Broadley's woodland.
7
Continue on the path around the lake towards Mount Stewart house or take an alternative route through Rhododendron Hill.
Rhododendron Hill
Filled with Rhododendrons and a haven for Red Squirrels, the quiet piece of woodland shouldn't be missed. Take a journey down several alternative paths guiding you through a large variety of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Birches, Acers, Camellias, Enkianthus and Eucryphias.
8
Finish your walk by returning to the front of Mount Stewart house.
End:
Reception area at Mount Stewart
