SKL's Walking Blog

Newcastle Way – 3

Bryansford to Castlewellan and the Castlewellan lakes – 5th November 2025

Wet and very windy start today, though things improved as the morning went on. Bryansburn to Castlewellan is mostly country roads then there is a loop around the forest on tracks, returning to Castlewellan via the castle for some lunch.

Heading away from Tolleymore forest this time. The sun trying to break through – unsuccessfully.
Heading up into the rain.
Looking back can still see little of the mountains.
The lake at Castlewellan.
Supposedly a bronze age henge but little info available.
The lake from the far side.
The massive trees that came down in the recent storm that trapped me in Penrith.
The castle peeking through the trees.
Which has the de rigueur long driveway.
Back at Station Road where I started on Monday.

Newcastle Way now complete though I did the Newcastle to Dundrum bit a while ago in May. A need a further two days to add to this to complete the Mourne Way which will take me from Bryansburn to Rostrevor via Hilltown – someday.