The best running trails around Moneyslane

There are over 35 diverse running routes around Moneyslane, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. These trails explore County Down's varied landscapes, from gentle paths to challenging mountain ascents.

The jogging trails around Moneyslane offer a wide variety of terrain. You'll find everything from 'great fell running terrain' on peaks like Slieve Croob Summit, to well-maintained paths through diverse woodlands in places like Tollymore Forest Park, and riverside trails. Some routes even feature mostly tarmac surfaces for an easier run.

Yes, the Moneyslane area offers 2 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed jog. These paths typically feature smoother surfaces and less elevation gain, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without excessive challenge.

Absolutely. For experienced runners seeking a challenge, there are 10 difficult routes around Moneyslane. These often involve significant elevation changes and more rugged terrain, such as the Slieve Meelmore loop from Meelmore Lodge, providing a demanding workout amidst stunning landscapes.

The running routes around Moneyslane are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 800 visitors have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the diverse terrain and the stunning natural beauty of County Down.

Many running routes near Moneyslane feature incredible scenic viewpoints. For instance, the View of Mourne AONB – View of Castlewellan Castle loop from Dollys Brae Car Park provides stunning vistas of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Castlewellan Castle. The summit of Slieve Croob also offers panoramic views across County Down, potentially reaching as far as the Isle of Man on a clear day.

Yes, there are several excellent circular running routes available. A popular choice is the Slievenaslat Summit – View of Castlewellen Castle loop from Castlewellan, which takes you through Slievenaslat Summit. Another option is the Mitchell's Lake – Cypress Pond loop from Castlewellan, offering a scenic circuit around the lakes.

Yes, if you're looking for running trails with waterfalls, Tollymore Forest Park, located near Moneyslane, is an excellent choice. The park is crisscrossed by the Shimna and Spinkwee Rivers, featuring numerous bridges and the beautiful Shimna River Waterfall. The moderate River Trail (5.2km) in Tollymore is a great option to explore these features.

The region around Moneyslane is rich in history and natural beauty. Along your runs, you might encounter sites like the Tollymore Forest Game of Thrones Filming Location, ancient bridges within Tollymore Forest Park, or the impressive Legananny Dolmen. Many routes also offer views of Castlewellan Castle.

Tollymore Forest Park is a fantastic location for running near Moneyslane, offering diverse woodlands and riverside trails. For detailed information on the park's trails and facilities, you can visit the official Northern Ireland Direct website: nidirect.gov.uk or the Mourne Gullion Strangford tourism site: visitmournegullionstrangford.com.

While specific 5k routes aren't explicitly listed, many of the moderate trails can be adapted or are close to this distance. For example, the Trassey Track to Hare's Gap run — Mourne is 7 km, which is a great option for a slightly longer run, or you can explore sections of longer trails in Tollymore Forest Park like the River Trail (5.2km).

For long-distance running, the areas around Slieve Croob and the Mourne Mountains offer extensive opportunities. Slieve Croob itself provides routes up to 15 miles, including a 4km tarmac section. Tollymore Forest Park also has longer, more demanding trails like the Mountain and Drinns Trail (13.6km), which can be extended for a more significant challenge.