Holywood to Orlock - North Down Coastal Path

Start : The Esplanade, Holywood (BT18 9HZ), 200 m or so along The Esplanade from Holywood station.

(S) The walk begins at the Esplanade in Holywood. Walk under the railway arch and turn right (North-East). Follow the linear path along the outer edge of Belfast Lough.

(1) After 540 m or so, turn left (Cooper's Bay still on your left-hand side), cross the burn and pass towards Seapark, a recreational area with a play park on your right-hand side. Continue along the coastline past the park and Seaprk beach on your left to reach Sea Front Road.

(2) Turn left and follow the road to its end along the coastline towards the Royal North Yacht Club.

(3) 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. Keep walking along the coastline as you reach Station Road.

(4) Continuing on the path leads to Craigavad, with the Royal Belfast Golf Club on the right.

(5) After 1 Km cross the bridge in front of Rockport Primary School.

(6) About 2 miles (3.2 Km) further round the coast, a set of steep steps takes you inland at the Seahill Sewage Treatment. Rejoin the coast path as you descend at the far end. From here the path leads to Crawfordsburn Country Park.

(7) On the way, go past Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay. (A) Continue walking some steps on Grey Point road and

(8) Turn left in the direction of Helen's beach. Continue along Helen's beach until Rock Point.

(9) Keep walking through Crawfordsburn Beach and carry on along the coastline for 3.2 Km.

(10) Leave the path briefly, cross a river at Connor Park, and keep walking for approximately 2 Km. Continue walking along the path to Wilson’s Point, where the path turns towards Bangor Marina. As you have Pickie Funpark and the Marina on your left-hand, you reach Marine Gardens street.

(11) As you reach as car park with a fountain on your left, walk towards the marina and turn right to walk along with the marina on your left-hand. Keep walking to reach the clock tower in front of you and the road junction with Bridge Street.

(13) Turn left (North) along Bridge Street becoming Quay Street then Seacliff Road, keeping the marina on your left-hand. Follow the path along Seacliff Road round to Ballyholme Park and Beach for around 1.6 Km.

(14) Once at Ballyholme Beach, progress along the coastal path for around 2.2 Km which leads to the National Trust area of Ballymacormick Point.

(15) From Ballymacormick Point, the path continues along the coastline for 2 Km to Groomsport Harbour.

(16) Where the path becomes rural in nature, crossing the beach area round for 3 Km towards Orlock Point, Portavo. A small lay-by indicates the end of the walk. (E)

Start : The Esplanade, Holywood (BT18 9HZ), 200 m or so along The Esplanade from Holywood station.

Arrival : National Trust Orlock Point, Warnen Road, Bangor (BT19 6YU)

Parking : P+R Holywood Train Station, Holywood Bypass, Holywood (BT18 9JF) (at the starting point). Car park available at the arrival.

Terrain : Bitmac, stone and grass paths

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Toilets, accommodation and refreshments are available along the walk including in the villages and towns of Newtownards, Helens Bay, Groomsport & Bangor. Visitors Centre at Groomsport, Bangor and Helens Bay. Disabled toilets – Disabled parking

Dog Policy : Dogs must be kept under close control

Note : 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.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

(A) Grey Fort Point : Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.
Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort hosts a number of special commemorative events during the year.
The Fort was completed in 1907 with at its heart two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough. While a key part of Belfast’s defences against naval attack, it proved of limited value during the German air attacks on the city in 1941. There are still two magnificent 23 feet long guns.
Visitors can also see the original observation post and three searchlight positions.