Mount Stewart Lake Walk

If the aim of your adventure is to explore beautifully scenic gardens, meander around the shores of a quaint lake, and experience the extravagant architecture of a time long past, then the Mount Stewart Lake Walk is a perfect option for you. The only real downsides to this walk are the large number of visitors that it draws and the fact that you will need to pay for admission, as it is a National Trust Site. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking/beat out some of the crowds, and don’t forget to keep your dog on a lead out of courtesy to others.

Although it is fairly short, this is an exceptional walking route that will allow you to relax as you meander through the meticulously kept grounds of Mount Stewart. The estate was once the home of the Stewart Family, who had previously held the title of Marquess of Londonderry since 1816. With so much history and beautiful sights spread throughout the grounds, you are almost guaranteed to have a fantastic time along the Mount Stewart Lake Walk.

Setting out from the trailhead near the car park, you will follow the path and be directed towards the north side of the house. Here, you will be able to take in the beauty of the architecture and gaze out at the forested expanse of the grounds. Taking the wide path to the northeast, you will meander between the lovely trees for 0.1mi, where you will come to a fork.

Head left here and follow the path as it climbs gently uphill to meet up with the shores of the lake, offering a nice view across its calm seven acre surface. Keep right along the water’s edge for 0.1mi and head left along the path to make your way to Tir n’an Og (Land of the Ever Young), the burial place of the Stewart family.

After heading back to the main trail, follow it to the east for 0.1mi, turning right to make your way back towards the lake. Following this path for 0.2mi, you will come to a small path on your right that crosses over a stone bridge to reach a small island within the lake. This is a lovely spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the lakeside setting. From here, continue along the trail to the southwest, which will eventually meet up with the wide path that will lead you back to the house. You can either retrace your steps back to the car park or take some time to explore the grounds further, having completed the mount Stewart Lake Walk.

Trail Highlights

Mount Stewart House

Located in County Down, Northern Ireland, Mount Stewart is an extravagant house and its accompanying gardens that date back to the 19th Century. Formerly the Irish seat of the Stewart family that were the holders of the Marquess of Londonderry title, the estate has been under the possession of the National Trust since 1977.