
Ballyquintin Farm, National Nature Reserve Trail
grassland walk situated at the very tip of the Ards Peninsula at the mouth of Strangford Lough. This walk passes through a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by the Environment and Heritage Service.
Take in views across Strangford Lough to Killard Point and across the Irish sea to The Isle of Man on a clear day. The rich coastal grassland here includes some sensitive and rare flowers including orchids and wild – dwarfed Burnett rose.
Bird Watchers: Look out for the bird species include skylarks, linnets, peregrine falcons, buzzards, kestrals and Brent geese.
County
Down
Distance
0.8-1.6 miles
OS Map
Sheet 21
Nearest Town
Portaferry
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Coastal
Terrain
Off road paths, quiet rural road
Grid Reference (Start)
J623465
Grid Reference (End)
J623465
Point of Interest
World Ware II lookout hut and National Nature Reserve
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Strangford Lough
Route Description
From the car park pass through the gate and follow the path to the World War II lookout hut.
From here, you are overlooking the Ballyquintin National Nature Reserve managed by Environment and Heritage Service. Take a detour through the gate and down the slope to explore the lower reserve.
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Getting to the Start (by Car)
Take the coastal road south of Portaferry. After about 5km National Trust signage directs to Ballyquintin Farm and Nature Reserve on the right.
Accessibility Grade
Facilities
Car park. The nearby towns of Portaferry and Strangford have several popular pubs, restaurants and cafes.
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
– Disabled parking
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