Ways

Descriptions with maps, travel details, distances, physical difficulty of walks and other ways to explorer the great outdoors and have yourself a “Grand Day Out”

Tollymore East and Donard Forest from Newcastle

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Update December 2021 – Shimna flood works

Work is currently (December 2021) ongoing to alleviate flood risk from the Shimna river from Tipperary Woods to the seafront. There is currently no public access through Tipperary Wood or Island’s Park onto Byransford Road.

In the meantime the yellow route marked above along the Tullybrannigan Road will bypass the works and allow you to join the original route at the junction of Tipperary Lane and Tullybrannigan Road. Plaese note that this will require a short section (300m) of extra walking along a country road without a pavement.

The diversion should be removed by June 2022.

For further information about the scheme see:

Shimna River, Newcastle – Flood Alleviation Scheme

This route starts in Newcastle and visits the east edge of Tollymore Forest Park. The path skirts along the outside edge of the forest gaining height and a fine view over Newcastle and Dundrum Bay. It then cuts across to Donard Forest along a wall at the edge of open mountainside before dropping down to Donard Park to its starting point.

TYPE	Circular walk with forest and short hillside section (no dogs allowed)
DISTANCE	4 miles / 6.4 km
SURFACES	Mostly on surfaced forest tracks and paths, but with a short section on a soft hillside path with some wet ground
HEIGHT GAIN / LOSS	600 feet of descent and ascent
HAZARDS	Short section walking on a road with no pavement Section on open hillside (potentially boggy)

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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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