Quality Walk

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

Grade 5

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

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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