Quality Walk

Helen's Bay to Whitespots

The routes extends from Helen's Bay along Clandeboye Avenue - a former coach lane for the Marquess of Clandeboye Estate - now a tranquil woodland corridor. The route passes historical gardens and woodlands (the largest broadleaved woodland in NI) as well as Helen's Tower, and ends at Whitespots Country Park.

County

Down

Distance

8 miles

OS Map

Sheet 15 of OS Northern Ireland Discovery Series

Nearest Town

Helens' Bay near Crawfordsburn

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Woodland

Terrain

Stone paths

Grid Reference (Start)

J458821

Grid Reference (End)

J497764

Point of Interest

Helen's Tower, broadleaved woodland, leadmines

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

Beginning at Helen's Bay Station (if you are arriving by train) or at the public car park, follow the Clandeboye Avenue route, a tranquil woodland corridor. This linear route will eventually exit at the main A2 Belfast to Bangor Road. Cross the road carefully and continue along the path on the opposite side. It winds for 5 miles through Clandeboye Estate, eventually arriving at Helen's Tower. Beyond here the path passes into Whitespots Country Park (Ards Borough Council) famous for its leadmines and terminates at the Somme Heritage Centre. You can pick up a bus here on the Newtownards to Bangor Road.

Getting to the Start

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Facilities

Toilets, accomodation and refreshments are available all the way along the walk including the villages and towns of Holywood, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Helen's Bay & Groomsport.

Publication

No publication at present

Publication Availability

N/A

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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