Things to Do around Hillsborough Forest Park
Hillsborough Forest Park, a region in County Down, Northern Ireland, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. It encompasses nearly 200 acres of mixed woodlands, including coniferous and broadleaved sections, centered around a tranquil lake. The terrain features well-maintained trails, ranging from flat and wide paths to some short, hilly sections, making it suitable for several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, jogging, and more. This park provides a serene environment for exploring nature and engaging in various outdoor…
62
Routes
4.4
(42)
Average rating
975
People visited
4.0
(1)
28
hikers
4.93km
01:18
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
67
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
106
hikers
3.35km
00:53
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
hikers
4.65km
01:13
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
1
riders
59.7km
03:18
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
46.9km
02:50
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
65.9km
04:33
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
48.9km
02:58
370m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(10)
156
riders
28.9km
01:44
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
69
riders
44.2km
02:38
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
46
riders
20.7km
01:13
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
34
riders
39.1km
01:37
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(4)
93
riders
34.0km
01:24
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
26
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
38.0km
01:40
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
27
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
runners
34.3km
03:33
150m
150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
5.14km
00:32
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
runners
15.8km
01:39
110m
110m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Hillsborough Forest Park?
Hillsborough Forest Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including Touring cycling, Road cycling, Hiking, Jogging, and Mountain biking. The park features 22 routes, with an average rating of 4.41 stars from more than 6,000 visitors.
Are there cycling routes in Hillsborough Forest Park?
While adult cycling is restricted on internal forest trails, Hillsborough Forest Park serves as a starting point for extensive touring and road cycling routes in the wider County Down region. Bicycle racks are available at the park for visitors. Explore options in the guide Cycling around Hillsborough Forest Park.
What hiking trails are available in Hillsborough Forest Park?
The park features several well-maintained trails for hiking and jogging. A popular 1.1-mile (1.8 km) looped trail encircles the lake, and the Fox Fort Trail extends to 2.1 miles (3.4 km). More details can be found in the guide Hiking around Hillsborough Forest Park.
Are there family-friendly activities in Hillsborough Forest Park?
Hillsborough Forest Park offers family-friendly attractions such as the Peter Rabbit Woodland Trail, featuring story-themed sculptures. The park also provides designated picnic areas and a woodland-themed outdoor children's play area. Family-friendly hikes are detailed in Family-friendly hikes around Hillsborough Forest Park.
What are the main natural features and landmarks in Hillsborough Forest Park?
The park spans nearly 200 acres, featuring a mix of woodlands and a central lake that is home to various wildfowl. Historical landmarks include the 17th-century Hillsborough Fort and its connection to Hillsborough Castle. Lakeside viewpoints with seating are available throughout the park.
Are there easy cycling routes near Hillsborough Forest Park?
The surrounding area offers easy, mostly paved cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. These routes often incorporate picturesque landscapes and sections of the Lagan Towpath. Consult the guide Traffic-free bike rides around Hillsborough Forest Park for options.
How popular is Hillsborough Forest Park on komoot?
Hillsborough Forest Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 6,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The 22 routes available across various sports have an average rating of 4.41 out of 5 stars.
Where can I find mountain biking trails in Hillsborough Forest Park?
While the park's internal trails have restrictions, the wider region around Hillsborough Forest Park offers mountain biking opportunities. Information on these trails can be found in the guide MTB Trails around Hillsborough Forest Park.
What komoot guides are available for Hillsborough Forest Park?
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking around Hillsborough Forest Park, Cycling around Hillsborough Forest Park, and Running Trails around Hillsborough Forest Park. There are also guides for family-friendly and traffic-free routes.
Is there parking available at Hillsborough Forest Park?
Yes, Hillsborough Forest Park provides good car parking facilities for visitors. The park is easily accessible by car, located near the village of Royal Hillsborough.
How can I contact Hillsborough Forest Park?
For official information, visit the Hillsborough Forest website at lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/HillsboroughForest. You can also contact them by phone at +44 28 9049 1540.
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