Gosford Forest Park Blue Path
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Gosford Forest Park Blue Path is a laid back adventure in County Armagh that will lead you through a beautifully scenic stretch of woodland terrain to view a stunning example of 19th Century architecture. While out walking the trail, you will meander through the cover of the forest and take in the views of the mature trees that surround you, before arriving at Gosford Castle. This is a fairly quick journey along well-maintained paths that is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Route Description for Gosford Forest Park Blue Path
While the Gosford Forest Park Blue Path traverses a relatively peaceful swathe of woodlands that allow you to explore and reconnect with nature, the area is also a popular place for locals and visitors alike to do the same. If you want to avoid the busy times within the park, you should try to arrive a bit early. Pathways here are well-maintained, but you should still wear some comfortable walking footwear in order to better traverse the trail.
Even with the popularity of the park as a recreation space, this is a wonderful walking route that will provide some beautiful views and a real sense of relaxation. In addition to the mature trees and variety of plant life, you will also get some amazing views of Gosford Castle, a 19th Century country house that was built in the Norman Revival style and has since been turned into private residences. With such beautiful views, short overall distance, and easy-going terrain, there is no reason not to walk this awesome trail.
Setting out from the car park, you will make your way to the northwest through the dense cover of the forest and take in the lovely views of the surrounding trees and plant life. After reaching the Secret Gardens, turn right and make your way through their beautiful expanse on the way towards Gosford Castle.
From here, you will turn to the southeast and skirt around the edge of the castle, taking in the views of it's beautiful architecture before entering back into the tranquil forest. After picking the trail back up, follow it to the southeast to pass by the caravan park and meet up with a lane. Turn right here and follow the lane unti; you meet back up with the car park where you began your adventure along the Gosford Forest Park Blue Path Trail.
Trail Highlights
Gosford Castle
Commissioned by The 2nd Earl of Gosford in 1819 but only completed in 1859; Gosford Castle is a former country house in County Armagh, Northern Ireland that was home to the Acheson family and was built in the Norman Revival style of architecture.
The castle was used to house soldiers during the Second World War, and had even featured a POW camp on site. Shortly after the conflict, the building and grounds were sold to the Ministry of Agriculture. The grounds have since been established as the Gosford Forest Park and the castle has served several purposes, including a brief stint as a hotel before being converted into private residences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Gosford Forest Park?
Currently, the Forest Service of Northern Ireland is in control of Gosford Forest Park.
Are dogs permitted in Gosford Forest Park?
Dog walking is allowed within Gosford Forest Park, although they should always be kept on a lead.
Insider Hints for Gosford Forest Park Blue Path
- Arrive early to secure parking, as this is a popular walking route.
- Make sure to respect other walkers and always keep your dog on a lead.
- Be sure to wear comfortable walking footwear.
Getting to the Gosford Forest Park Blue Path Trailhead
To get to the trailhead for the Gosford Forest Park Blue Path from Markethill, head north on Main Street/B78 for 0.6 km and turn left onto Markethill Road /A28. After 149 m, turn right and continue on for 0.5 km, where you will find the entrance to the car park on the left.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-Round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Gosford Forest Park Blue Path Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Slieve Gullion Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/UK-Northern-Ireland-Slieve-Gullion-Circular-Walk-1709x633-Slieve-Gullion-Circular-Walk.jpg)
Slieve Gullion Circular Walk
Northern Ireland
![Coalisland Canal Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/UK-NI-Coalisland-Canal-Walk-01-1709-633-Coalisland-Canal.jpg)
Coalisland Canal Walk
Northern Ireland
![Loughgall Country Park Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Loughgall Country Park Walk
Northern Ireland
![Peatlands Park Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Peatlands Park Walk
Northern Ireland
![Oxford Island Kinnego Meadow Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Oxford Island Kinnego Meadow Trail
Northern Ireland
![Hen and Cock Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hen and Cock Mountain Trail
Northern Ireland
![Argory House Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/UK-NI-Argory-House-Walk-01-1709-633-Argory.jpg)
Argory House Walk
Northern Ireland
![Craigavon Lakes Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Craigavon Lakes Circular Walk
Northern Ireland
![Whyte Estate Boundary Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Whyte Estate Boundary Trail
Northern Ireland
![Camlough Mountain Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Camlough Mountain Walk
Northern Ireland
![Ardress House Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Ardress House Walk
Northern Ireland
![Gosford Forest Park Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Gosford Forest Park Circular Walk
Northern Ireland