9k Run Bryansford: Scenic Loop Through Tollymore Forest

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.1km loop through Tollymore Forest Park offers a quintessential Northern Irish trail running experience, blending lush woodland paths with challenging elevations. With nearly 200m of ascent, runners will tackle a moderately hilly course that follows the rushing Shimna River before climbing into the heart of the forest via the Mourne Way and the Mountain Trail. The terrain is entirely off-road, featuring a mix of gravel tracks, forest floor, and stone bridges, making it a perfect training ground for those looking to build strength and agility away from the pavement.

Located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains near Bryansford, Tollymore was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland and is steeped in dramatic atmosphere. Local runners know it not just for its demanding inclines, but for its cinematic beauty; the towering redwoods and gothic stone gate piers served as iconic filming locations for Game of Thrones. As you navigate the loop, look out for the historic "Follies"—whimsical stone structures scattered throughout the woods—which provide a unique backdrop to this rugged and rewarding escape into nature.