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NI Water launches new summer family treasure trail at Silent Valley

25 June 2026 13:30
St Josephs PS Silent Valley Family Trail R
Pupils from St Joseph's Primary School Carnacaville, Newcastle help NI Water launch the new family treasure trail in place at Silent Valley.

NI Water is inviting families to discover Silent Valley Mountain Park in a whole new way with the launch of a new summer treasure trail.

The new family-friendly activity encourages visitors of all ages to explore more of Silent Valley, uncover hidden clues and learn about the unique history, heritage and wildlife of one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic visitor attractions.

Launching this week, the first treasure trail invites visitors to collect a map on entry, find hidden letters around the park, unscramble them to reveal a secret word and take it to the Silent Valley Café to receive a prize, where children can also complete a summer colouring page for the chance to win a year’s pass for Silent Valley.

Nestled in the Mourne Mountains near Kilkeel, Silent Valley Mountain Park combines striking scenery, rich biodiversity and a peaceful setting alongside its vital role in supplying fresh water. Popular with families, walkers and nature lovers, it offers trails, picnic areas, a visitor centre, café and the Mourne Shuttle Bus service.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “Silent Valley is a very special place, and this new treasure trail is a simple, fun way for families to enjoy more of what the park has to offer. As children follow the map, find the hidden letters and uncover the secret word, they will also discover more about the valley’s fascinating history, wildlife and landscape.

“We hope the seasonal trail will encourage visitors to explore, learn and spend more time enjoying the beautiful surroundings, before calling into the café for a well-earned treat.”

 

How to take part

  • Collect your trail map on entry to the park. Trail maps are also available at the horse box café in the main carpark or inside the main Silent Valley café.
  • Follow the map to find the hidden letters and discover more about Silent Valley’s history and wildlife along the way.
  • Unscramble the letters to reveal the secret word.
  • Visit the café with the secret word to receive your prize.
  • Complete the summer colouring page in the café and post it in the NI Water post box to be in with a chance of winning a year’s pass for Silent Valley.

 

Ends

 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com

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