Skip to content
Two women on the demesne walk at Mount Stewart, County Down in Northern Ireland
Discover the demesne walks at Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust / Elaine Hill
Northern Ireland

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

A map of the red trail at Mount Stewart, County Down
Mount Stewart Red Trail map, County Down | © Crown copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 120099

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A view of the lake surrounded by autumnal trees at Mount Stewart
Place
Place

Mount Stewart 

Neo-classical house, celebrated gardens and demesne

Newtownards, County Down

Partially open today
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)
Lake Walk in winter at Mount Stewart, County Down
Trail
Trail

Mount Stewart winter walk 

Treat yourself to a gentle winter stroll around the world-class gardens and lake at Mount Stewart, with a wide variety of flora and fauna and unique views of the house to enjoy.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.0 (km: 3.2)
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)

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

Autumn-walks-Argory

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Step into the beauty of Northern Ireland’s legendary landscapes this autumn and enjoy the warmth of the season’s welcome. From the golden sands of Portstewart Strand to the peaceful, leaf-strewn woodland trails at Florence Court, our walking routes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths lined with autumn’s rich hues, while ancient bogs share their stories along winding boardwalks. This autumn, let the trails through our cared-for places lead you on a journey through vibrant colours, crisp air, and the rich heritage of Northern Ireland.

Visitors walking on a trail with autumn colour trees
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 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.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

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 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.

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.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.