Holywood

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Redburn Country Park

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The designation ‘Country Park’ suggests an accessible woodland on the urban fringe suitable for a gentle stroll. Redburn is not really like that and I have included 5m contours on the map above to make this clear. Any looped walk here will involve well over 100 metres of climb – a third of an Irish mountain and a significant workout for lungs, heart and legs! If you are of modest fitness be aware, take your time and pack in lots of stops to enjoy the great views which come with height and effort!

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Whitespots Country Park to Helen’s Bay

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This route follows the old Ulster Way from Whitespots Country Park (the site of old lead mines), through the Clandeboye Estate woods, past Helen’s Tower, along linear beech woods and farm lanes before joining Clandeboye Avenue for the last 3km to Helen’s Bay Station.

TYPE	Linear walk with train and bus travel option
DISTANCE	6.1 miles / 9.8 km
SURFACES	Paths and tracks, generally good, but with short muddy sections.
HEIGHT GAIN / LOSS	430 feet of ascent, 570 feet descent
HAZARDS	– short walk along fast busy road on verge – dual carriageway crossing in mid walk, difficult at rush hour and busy times – if starting by bus, dual carriageway crossing – difficult at rush hour and busy times

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Carnalea Station to Helen’s Bay

TYPE	Linear walk from train station to train station
DISTANCE	2.4 miles / 3.9 km
SURFACES	Mixed tarmac and earth/gravel – generally good – short section on sandy beach
HEIGHT GAIN / LOSS	250 feet of descent and ascent
HAZARDS	Short beach section – spray and waves at high tides with wind

As the map above shows, this walk includes the whole of Crawfordsburn Country Park shore with extra coast and two station link sections. If you know Crawfordsburn it will give a fresh twist and if you don’t you should definitely do this walk – it is a great spot in all weathers.

The optional diversion includes a cafe and an excellent viewpoint with views out to the North Channel and Scotland.

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Cultra Station to Holywood

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TYPE	Linear walk from train station.
DISTANCE	2.1 miles / 3.4 km
SURFACES	Road and tarmac / concrete paths throughout (except Priory graveyard).
HEIGHT GAIN / LOSS	Almost completely flat
HAZARDS	Uneven ground in Priory graveyard Some walking on residential roads

When I came to breaking up the Bangor – Holywood coast into walking sections I initially queried this section as a ‘proper walk’ because of its largely urban character. On walking it again I realised how wrong I was. This section, through the suburbs and into the heart of old Holywood, is a journey in time and building fashions – there is much to see.

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