Walks & Trails
2012 Guided Walking Tours
Coming soon...
Ballymacormick Point
This rocky outcrop is located between Ballyholme and the little village of Groomsport. Covered in gorse, it is good for rough walking and for spotting birds, flowers and foxes.
Ballymacormick is just on the edge of Belfast Lough, so there are interesting views north and west. It is impossible to avoid seeing the dominant profile of Kilroot power station, but sharp eyes on a clear day can identify other landmarks on the Co Antrim escarpment of black basalt – Carrickfergus, the Knockagh monument, and the coast curving towards Whitehead. There is nearly always a ship using the busy channel to Belfast. Out to sea, the coast of Galloway can be seen surprisingly sharply on a clear day.
There is something for birdwatchers at all times of the year. The combination of rough grass, gorse and rocks forms an inviting breeding ground for an array of bird life.
Accessible all year. Both properties are signposted from Groomsport village. The best approach to Ballymacormick Point is by Groomsport, although at low tide it is possible to reach it from the east end of Ballyholme beach.
Bangor Self Guided Walk
This walk will last approximately 1½ hours to complete (unless you follow the coastal path for a time or take a walk through one of the parks). The walk does involve several gradients, these are highlighted on the map on the back of the guide that can be downloaded below or picked up at Bangor Tourist Information Centre.
Download Guide
Holywood Self Guided Walk
This walk will take approximately 1 hour to complete and involves several gradients, these are highlighted on the map on the back of the guide that can be downloaded below or picked up at Holywood Tourist Information point located in Queens Hall, Holywood Library or Bangor Tourist Information Centre.
Download Guide
North Down Coastal Path
North Down Coastal Path, arguably the safest and most varied shoreline walk in Ireland. Stretching 16 miles from Holywood to Portavoe, it has historic and natural features, which add interest to every step of the way. Start at Holywood’s unique Maypole or park the car at any one of the access points including Seapark, Marion, Cultra, Craigavad, Helens Bay, and the lovely Stricklands Glen and dip into 2 or 3 mile sections at a time.
Maritime plants and seabirds are abundant along the whole route. Watch Atlantic seals bobbing among the rocks at the tranquil National Trust areas off Ballymacormick Point and Orlock Point.
Detailed guides on the walk can be purchased from Bangor Tourist Information Centre or North Down Museum, Bangor.
The Bayburn Trail
The Bayburn Trail is a four-mile route around Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bayhighlighting local sites of interest.
Click here for more information on the walk or to download an information leaflet.