The best city hikes and walks around Tollymore Forest

There are 7 easy urban hiking trails listed in this guide, all offering pleasant walks around the Newcastle area, close to Tollymore Forest.

Yes, all the urban hikes featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them ideal for families with children. They generally involve minimal elevation gain and cover manageable distances, perfect for a leisurely outing. For example, the Sandy Beach with Mountain View – Slieve Donard Hotel loop from Newcastle is a great option for a family stroll.

Yes, all the urban hikes in this guide are circular routes, meaning you'll end up back where you started. This makes planning your walk and parking much more convenient. Consider the Newcastle Beach – Newcastle Harbour loop from Newcastle for a scenic circular option.

While the trails themselves are urban, they offer views of the stunning natural surroundings. You can enjoy coastal scenery, views towards the Mourne Mountains, and explore the charming town of Newcastle. Nearby, you can also visit attractions like Tollymore Forest Park itself, or the Shimna River Waterfall within the park.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.55 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessible, easy-going nature of the trails, the beautiful coastal views, and the convenience of walking directly from Newcastle.

Many of the urban trails around Newcastle are suitable for dogs, especially those along promenades and beaches. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in built-up areas or where wildlife might be present. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

The urban hikes in this guide vary in length, generally ranging from short strolls of around 1.4 km to longer walks of about 6.2 km. Durations can range from approximately 20 minutes to just under 1.5 hours, depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Newcastle Central Promenade – Slieve Donard Hotel loop from Newcastle is about 4.8 km long.

Yes, as these are urban hikes centered around Newcastle, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs readily available along or very close to the routes. This makes it easy to grab a coffee or a meal before or after your walk.

Newcastle is well-served by public transport, including bus services, making it easy to reach the starting points of these urban hikes without a car. Many routes begin directly from central Newcastle locations like the promenade or near the Slieve Donard Hotel.

While these are urban trails, they offer excellent viewpoints, particularly along the coastline. You'll get panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the majestic Mourne Mountains in the distance. The Newcastle Central Promenade – Sandy Beach with Mountain View loop from Newcastle provides beautiful coastal vistas.

Urban hikes around Tollymore Forest can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers and milder temperatures, while summer offers longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even winter walks can be invigorating, especially along the coast, provided you dress appropriately for the weather.