Tollymore Forest Park Shimna River Circuit

At a Glance

Distance

5.0 km (3.1 miles)

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

2 hr

Walk Type

Woodland, River

Route Type

Circular

Off Lead Potential

Moderate

Livestock Risk

Low

Facilities

Visitor centre, Toilets, Cafe

Parking

Tollymore Forest Park car park - charged

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Tollymore Forest Park Shimna River Circuit dog friendly?

  Tollymore Forest Park Shimna River Circuit is rated 9/10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better options in the region for a day out with your dog. The Shimna River offers plenty of spots for dogs to wade and cool off, livestock risk is low throughout, and the varied terrain , riverbank, oak woodland, open meadow , keeps dogs happily engaged from start to finish.

• Can dogs be off lead at Tollymore Forest Park Shimna River Circuit?

  There is moderate off-lead potential across the route, with the longer circuits that climb into the lower Mourne slopes offering more freedom on open ground for dogs who like to run. Livestock risk is described as low throughout the park, which makes off-lead walking a reasonable option for dogs with reliable recall, though it's always worth staying alert to other visitors and trail users.

• What should I know before visiting Tollymore Forest Park Shimna River Circuit with my dog?

  Parking is available at Tollymore Forest Park car park but is charged, so it's worth having payment ready before you arrive. The park has a visitor centre, toilets and a café on site, which is handy for longer outings. Route options range from a 5 km riverside loop to a 12.9 km circuit with 103 metres of elevation gain, so you can tailor the walk to your dog's fitness level, and the Shimna River provides reliable drinking water at numerous points along the way.

Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford, Newcastle BT33 0PN

54.1951, -5.9242