Mount Stewart red squirrel trail

Northern Ireland

Family spotting squirrels at the hide — Mount Stewart is home to a healthy population of red squirrels | © National Trust Images/John Millar

This wildlife trail takes in the path around the lake, formal and informal gardens and the woodlands at Mount Stewart. Look out for red squirrels on the route up to Rhododendron Hill, which has become a haven for these shy creatures. You'll also spot swans on the lake and see some of the unique features added to the estate by Lady Londonderry.

Near to

Mount Stewart

Start point

Reception area at Mount Stewart, OSNI grid ref: J553695

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Easy to moderate walking conditions on well surfaced pathways and lawn.
**Mostly level access with some gravel.
***Dogs on leads are permitted across the estate.

Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Reception area at Mount Stewart, OSNI grid ref: J553695
Stage 1
Start at Mount Stewart reception and make your way to the front of the house via the courtyard.
Stage 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 humorous allegory. Lady Londonderry was also known as Circe, the sorceress goddess met by Odysseus's sailors on the most westerly isle known by the Greeks. Circe turned half of Odysseus's crew into pigs and their faces and that of Circe are depicted on the herms on the southern wall of the Italian Garden.
A view of the Italian Garden at Mount Stewart in County Down, Northern Ireland | © The Italian Garden at Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland
Stage 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. She planted these in large drifts along the various woodland margins she created.
Stage 4
Follow the path around the lake.
Discover wildlife on the lake at Mount Stewart | © National Trust / Trevor Moffet
Stage 5
Make your way towards Tìr nan Òg, the family's burial ground high up on the hill.
Stage 6
Continue around the path until you reach Broadley's woodland.
Stage 7
Continue on the path around the lake towards Mount Stewart house or take an alternative route through Rhododendron Hill. Finish your walk by returning to the front of Mount Stewart house.
End point
Reception area at Mount Stewart, OSNI grid ref: J553695
Trail map
Mount Stewart red squirrel trail map, County Down | © Crown Copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 120099
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Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

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mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

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