Ulster-Scots: Parks and Coastal Walks

Where the land meets the sea... our place is rich in shoreline wanders and woodland meanders.

North Down Coastal Path is a 16-mile route from Holywood to Orlock near Groomsport, following Sir James Hamilton’s estate boundaries of 1606. It connects with Crawfordsburn Country Park, where Crawfordsburn Glen winds 1.5 miles inland from the coast.

The Commons at Donaghadee is very popular with locals and of course enjoys views to Scotland. All of the beaches on the North Channel coast are easily accessible.

Further south, Kearney has coastal grassland walks, while Knockinelder Bay
and Ballyquinton Farm trails near Portaferry are local favourites.

For a bird’s-eye view, Scrabo Country Park is a must. To get close to the Lough you can walk from Greyabbey to Mid Isle, or along the shorelines at Islandhill and Whiterock.

Strangford Lough is on the National Cycle Route, and there are 11 canoeing trails.