Montalto Estate currently offers five main trail paths to follow around its grounds, each with its own unique characteristics, accessibility, and biodiversity. Let’s take an in-depth look at each in turn, providing you with the ultimate guide on which trails suit you and your walking party best. We recommend you try each trail at an appropriate time of year, and only if suitable for the capabilities of those you are joined by.
Distance: 1.1km (≈ 0.69 miles)
Accessibility: Easy Gradient Throughout
The first walk you reach when you enter our Trails & Gardens, enjoy picturesque views of Montalto House throughout the full length of this route. This walk is best visited in late spring / early autumn. It will take you past The Boathouse, which has lots of woodland planting and a variety of acers, including Japanese maples.
See more information HERE
Distance: 0.9km (≈ 0.56 miles)
Accessibility: Partial; Gentle Gradient with Steps Throughout
This walk is at its most stunning in spring-time, when a beautiful display of deciduous azaleas and colourful rhododendron, are in full bloom. This walk will loop round to the front of Montalto House, adjacent to the Lake.
Distance: 2.2km (≈ 1.38 miles)
Accessibility: Gentle Gradient until our Natural Play Area with a Steeper Gradient Beyond
This trail is noted for its many interesting and historic trees, with many native and naturalised birch, beech, douglas-fir, and sycamore trees visible on the route. This walk winds it’s way round far reaches of the estate, and lies adjacent to The History Trail, The Lake Walk and Lost Garden Trail. On this route you may avail of our Kids Outdoor Adventure Playpark and our Bark Park, a dog agility and outdoor play area at no additional charge to our trails entrance fee.
Distance: 2.7km (≈ 1.69 miles)
Accessibility: Mixed Gradient with a Steeper Incline the Further you Venture
This trail is noted for its many interesting and historic trees, with many native and naturalised birch, beech, douglas-fir, and sycamore trees visible on the route. This walk lies on the far reaches of the estate, providing a stunning view of Ballynahinch from a hilltop, and is located next to many settlement and battleground sites.
See more information HERE
Distance: 1.9km (≈ 1.19 miles)
Accessibility: Steep Incline on Entrance/Exit, Various Routes within Include Steps
Starting out on this trail, you can quickly discover the historic glasshouse remains. Adjacent to them you will see the replica of the original rose arbour, which leads down to a bridge crossing the stream, just as there would’ve been decades ago. Our newest trail, this is a rejuvenated location on Montalto’s property, bringing a breath of fresh air to the site.
See more information HERE
For more information regarding the benefits of Membership at Montalto, please see more HERE
For directions, locate us by finding us on Maps HERE