Forest bathing at Rostrevor Forest

Rostrevor Forest covers about 1,700 hectares of the hills above Rostrevor, roughly 1,000 of them planted since 1931 with Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and pine. Felling and replanting are ongoing. The part to seek out is Rostrevor Oakwood, a National Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation thought to be more than 250 years old. It is a remnant of the oak woods that once covered the lower Mournes, most of which were cut for boat building.

You reach the forest through Kilbroney Park, signposted on the Shore Road about half a mile from the town centre. Three waymarked trails of 2 to 7 km lead off into the trees. A scenic drive climbs to the Cloghmore car park at 230 metres, a short walk from the Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder left by the ice with views over Carlingford Lough. The oakwood is the quieter, slower part. Some areas close during forestry work.