North Down Coastal Path
North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore.
Please be aware that sections of the North Down Coastal Path follow private roads. Please respect the Highway Code when walking, cycling or running along these sections where residential traffic will have right of way. Northern Ireland has very few public rights of way and therefore in many areas walkers can only enjoy countryside walks because of the goodwill and tolerance of local landowners. In the interests of your own safety please be respectful when using the area for recreational purposes.
County
Down
Distance
16 miles
OS Map
Sheet 15
Nearest Town
Holywood, Co Down
Route Shape
Linear
Route Type
Beach, Coastal, Parkland & Grassland
Terrain
Bitmac, stone & grass paths
Grid Reference (Start)
J397793
Grid Reference (End)
J565828
Point of Interest
Grey Fort Point (battery and gun emplacement), views
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Other Area
Route Description
The walk begins at the Esplanade in Holywood. Walk under the railway arch and turn right. Follow the linear path along the outer edge of Belfast Lough towards Seapark, a recreational area with a play park.
Continue past the park towards the Royal North Yacht Club. From here follow the public footpath as it rejoins the Coastal Path. At this point a detour to the right will lead to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the railway halt.
Continuing on the path leads to Craigavad, with the Royal Belfast Golf Club on the right. Beyond this point cross the bridge in front of Rockport Primary School.
About 2 miles further round the coast, a set of steep steps takes you inland at the Seahill Sewage Treatment and rejoins the coast path as you descend at the far end.
From here the path leads to Crawfordsburn Country Park, passing Grey Point Fort, Helen's Bay and through to Crawfordsburn Beach.
Leaving the path briefly, cross Swineley Bay and pick up the path at the far side. Continue walking along the path to Wilson's Point, where the path turns towards Bangor Marina.
From here follow the path round to Ballyholme Beach, which leads to the National Trust area of Ballymacormick Point. The path continues to Groomsport Harbour, where the path becomes rural in nature, crossing the beach area round towards Orlock Point, Portavo. A small lay-by indicates the end of the walk.
Getting to the Start
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept under close control
Accessibility Grade
North Down Coastal Path (Orlock Point to Groomsport) - Grade 5
North Down Coastal Path (Groomsport to Bangor) - Grade 4
North Down Coastal Path (Bangor to Helens Bay) - Grade 4
North Down Coastal Path (Helens Bay to Holywood) - Grade 5
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
.jpg) | Café (wheelchair accessible) - at Groomsport, Bangor, Helens Bay and Holywood |
.jpg) | Shop (wheelchair accessible) |
 | Visitors Centre - at Groomsport, Bangor and Helens Bay |
 | Disabled toilets |
 | Disabled parking |
Facilities
Toilets, accommodation and refreshments are available along the walk including in the villages and towns of Newtownards, Helens Bay, Groomsport & Bangor
Publication
1. The Coastal Path – Map guide. 2. A Guide to the North Down Coastal Path
Publication Availability
North Down Coastal Path Leaflet downloadable from this page.
 | Print this walk |
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Walk Location
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