Facilities

This parkrun is located in the outskirts of Castlewellan in the Forest Park and has ample car parking. The parking is paid however and is quite expensive. The alternative is to park in the town and travel the 1km to the start line by foot. There are toilets available close to the start line, but there are no changing facilities.

Course

The course is made up of one lap around the lake in the park, with a small spur to make up the 5K. The route is mostly flat, though the spur had a long gradual climb on the way out before you turn around and come back down. This section will be really hard if you are going to attempt a PB at this run. The surface is all fine gravel. The park surroundings are very beautiful, especially at this time of year with the trees displaying their autumnal colours. There is also a well preserved country house on the grounds of the park, which would be well worth a visit.

Coffee

There is a cafe next to the car park where you can get breakfast and coffee after the run.

X Factor

Castlewellan Forest Park is home to the national arboretum of Northern Ireland. Within its grounds are some very beautiful and unusual trees including the majestic Giant Sequoia