Enjoy a quiet stroll through woodland and country lane within the historic Whyte Estate. This small, privately owned County Down estate is located at the northern end of Scarva Street, approx. ½ a mile from the centre of Loughbrickland village. The estate has been the home of the Whyte family since the 18th century. Although relatively short, this walk offers a really interesting and diverse mix of woodland, a tree lined trail with views across open farmland and parkland, two scheduled ancient monuments and traces of the estate’s use as an army base during World War II (1939-45).  It provides the feel and appeal of a rural country walk with the benefits of a village centre less than ½ a mile from the start of the walk.

The owner, Dr. Jean Whyte, has kindly permitted permissive access on foot along way marked trails developed by Banbridge District Council within the estate. The Woodland Trail, developed c. 2001 (0.9 mile) was extended with the opening of the Boundary Trail (1.25 mile) in 2008 which gives new public access to a small raised fort, known as Johnston’s Fort and takes the walker along a tree lined route offering picturesque views over the surrounding countryside. 

The walk is part of the longer Loughbrickland Historic Trail which explores the fascinating built heritage of this historic and attractive village. The Loughbrickland Historic Trail project is a partnership project between Banbridge District Council, Dr. Jean Whyte, Loughbrickland and District Community Association, Loughbrickland Historical Group and Probation Service for NI who helped with the ground works. The Heritage Lottery Fund provided funding which facilitated the opening of the Boundary Trail the creation of access to Johnston’s Fort.

Route Fact File

Distance:	Woodland trail (yellow way markers) approx. 0.90 miles (1.45 km) Boundary trail (brown way markers) approx. 1.25 miles (2 km) Can be combined to create an approx. 2.5 mile (4.02 km) circular walk
Grade:	Moderate - follows rough trails which can be uneven and muddy. Steep steps to Johnston’s Fort and two sets of steps at Coolancran Fort. Pedestrian gates along route.
Advice:	Access permitted along waymarked trails only – please stay on paths. Please keep dogs on lead and do not let them roam in farm land adjoining the Boundary Trail. Please take your litter home and clear up after your dog. Please leave plants and flowers untouched for others to enjoy. The woods will be closed from time to time throughout the year to accommodate archery competitions. Ballyvally Archery Club will post notices at gates. The path will be closed on the following dates in 2013: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th January, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May, Sunday 2nd June, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July (UK Junior Field Championships), Sunday 28th July, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th October, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November.
Start and Finish:	Walk starts at entrance to the Whyte Estate at the junction of Scarva Street and the Old Newry Road, Loughbrickland.
Parking:	Please note that there is no parking available within the estate. Please park with due consideration along Scarva Street and walk to start of walk.
Grid Reference:	J104425 OS map Discover Series, Sheet 20 1:50,000, Craigavon.
Refreshments:	Shops, cafe and pub in village.
Attractions:	The F.E. Mc William Gallery & Studio, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 JNB  This facil ity houses an art gallery, sculpture garden, café and tourist information point.  Opened in September 2008, the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio is dedicated to the memory of the successful Banbridge born sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909 -1992).  McWilliam is an internationally known sculptor of eclectic style – described as ‘An inventor of styles’.  He was a contemporary and knew such artists, amongst others, as Brancusi, Henry Moore and the painter William Scott.  When he died his executors left his London studio and many examples of his work in different stages to the state w ith a view to it being displayed in his native town.  The studio has been lovingly reconstructed by Banbridge District Council in a peaceful sculpture garden at this small modern gallery which houses many examples of his work.  It is located approx. 2 mile from Loughbrickland, just off the A1, heading towards Banbridge.  Join the A1 for a short distance taking the first ex it (A26) to Banbridge.  Follow to roundabout and pick up signage for the Gallery & Studio here ( it is located next to this roundabout).  Free Admission. Open            Monday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Closed          Sunday. w.                www.fmcwilliam.com   Lisnagade Fort:  the only large triple-ringed earthwork recorded in County Down.  It is a State Care monument located approx. 200 metres across a field (in agricultural use) off the Lisnagade Road, a couple of miles NW of Loughbrickland. (Grid ref: J087441).  Leave the village via Scarva Street.  Beyond the village boundary take the 2nd road on the right, the Lisnagade Road – continue north thru x-road for approx. ½ mile, looking for a small lay-by and pedestrian gate on the left.  The fort is located towards the junction of the Lisnagade Road w ith the B3 Scarva/Glenloughan Road.  To vis it Scarva continue along the road to its junction w ith the B3, turn left onto this road and follow to the village.   Scarva Village & Newry Canal Towpath:  The small village of Scarva is located along the former Newry Portadown Canal.  It is located about 3.7 miles or 10 minutes drive west of Loughbrickland along the B3.  The towpath forms part of the Newry Canal Way and provides an excellent flat cycle or walking route.  The village also has an attractive park located next to Scarva Primary School, off Main Street.
Toilets:	Basic toilets in Loughbrickland Park in the village, near the Poyntzpass Road entrance to the park - approx. O.5 mile from the entrance to the estate.
Publication:	A pdf document of the ‘Walk in the Whyte Estate, Loughbrickland’ can be down loaded under Publications – this is an extract from the Loughbrickland Historic Trail and contains a map and directions for the completing the 2.5 mile walk.  Copies of the full historic trail can be downloaded from the walking page – ‘Loughbrickland Historic Trail’ and are available free of charge from various outlets in Loughbrickland Village or by contacting Banbridge Tourist Information: T: 028 4062 9054 E: tic@banbridge.gov.uk W: www.walkni.com

Route Finder
The village is located approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Banbridge.