Mount Stewart Red Trail
The Red Trail is the main circular walk on Mount Stewart estate, and loops through a mixture of the demesne woodland and farmland. Look out for the ruins of a folly, water features and an abundance of wildlife along the route. You might even spot red squirrels if you're lucky. The best time to do this walk is early morning or late afternoon, especially in autumn.
Trail maps and information
Further information and trail maps are available at the trail head booth.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Trail Head (Grid Reference: J556694)
Step 1
Starting at the Trail Head walk until the path forks in two. A finger post will show two possible Red Trails. To go up to the Temple of the Winds, take the left-hand stone trail route. This is a steep 470m hill climb to the Temple, and a steep descent on the other side. The view from the top is worth the climb. To stay on a level path, take the right-hand grassy route and follow for 400 metres. Both routes converge at the bottom of the hill and then continue to a small stone bridge.
Step 2
As indicated on the finger post, continue on the stone trail to the left and continue for approximately 500 metres until reaching the meadow. You'll be walking through woodland, with an open glade part way along.
Step 3
Leave the woodland through a gateway and follow the cut grass path through the meadow until you come to a wooden gate.
Step 4
After passing through the wooden gate follow the farm lane which turns to the left. (At this point you can take an optional side path to the right into the Glen woodland and up to the ruins of a folly building as indicated on finger posts). Continue on the farm lane for about 500m, until you get to a wooden pedestrian gate and an agricultural gate with the old piggery buildings on your right.
Step 5
As indicated on the fingerposts, go through the wooden gate, and follow the woodchip trail for approximately 100m to the top of the hill. This is moderately steep and the path winds its way up into 'New Hill'. There are two steps on the path.
Step 6
At the top of the hill, turn right on the wood chip trail and continue down the hill for approximately 350 metres. The hill is very gradual and becomes very steep just before re-joining the main stone trail just above the trail head.
Step 7
Turn right when you join the stone trail and continue for 100m until you reach the Trail Head.
End point
Trail head, grid reference: J556694
Trail map
More near here
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