Accessible Britain

Silent Valley Nature Trail
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Silent Valley Nature Trail is a gorgeous, very accessible, loop of about a mile
through the Kilkeel River Valley, amid the Mourne Mountains’ spectacular scenery.
It begins at the car park a short distance south of the Silent Valley Reservoir, which
was built in the 1920s to provide Belfast with a new water supply; part of the trail
follows the old railway line that brought supplies and materials to the construction site.
Gently undulating, with no steps, the route passes through heathland and woodland,
and over the Kilkeel River on an accessible wooden bridge. Look out for the numerous
dragonflies and damselflies by the riverside – you might be able to spot trout or salmon
in the water too. In spring and summer there are lots of butterflies, as well as a good
covering of wildflowers, including bluebells, dog violets and foxgloves. You can extend
your journey to take in the reservoir itself, an impressive sight against a stunning
backdrop of rippling hills. There’s also a children’s play park, picnic area and other
walking trails, with podcasts for walkers to download as they head into the wild.
The nature trail is part of Silent Valley Mountain Park, which has a fully accessible
visitor centre operated by Northern Ireland Water. There is a car park with four disabled
spaces close to the start of the trail, and there are two additional Blue Badge spaces next
to the visitor centre. There’s one fully accessible toilet in the car park and another at
the visitor centre. The trail itself is level and constructed of light gravel and cinder; in
theory it’s an all-weather surface, but it can sometimes get muddy in wet weather. There
are plenty of rest benches along the route.
FOOD & DRINK aa There’s also a beautifully sited picnic area by the river, on the trail,
with wheelchair-accessible tables. A seasonal café next to the visitor centre serves cakes,
sandwiches and drinks, though wheelchair users might find it a bit cramped inside.
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