Orlock Point

Start : National Trust Orlock Point Car park, Warren Road, Bangor (BT19 6YU)

(S/E) From the car park, the walk commences through the stile bearing the National Trust emblem. Walk along the path until you encounter a stony sheltered bay.

Cross over the small stream (the Portavo River) with the standing stone to your left. A flight of steps leads up onto the headland and a large expanse of open farmland. (A) Continue on this path, along the top of the slope, through a stone stile. After another 200 yards, the path divides in two.

(1) Shorter Way : If you want flatter terrain, remain on the top path until they merge again a little further along. The path will then lead you down some more steps before passing under an archway which was hewn out of the rock by hand as part of the Coach Road at the waypoint (3). Chisel marks are still evident in places.

Otherwise, carry on the lower route which will take you down towards the sea and onto the nineteenth-century Orlock Coach Road for a short section. The path leads past some open shingle bays and sheltered coves to reach Sandeel Lane. The Second World War lookout hut makes a good vantage point for watching passing seabirds and boat traffic.

(2) Turn left to continue up Sandeel lane and take a left on Orlock Road. After 370 m or so, you will find a junction where the shorter way would have come out from.

(3) Ignore that turn and carry on Orlock Road to join Warren road.

(4) Turn left along A2 back to the start point. (S/E)

Start & Parking : National Trust Orlock Point Car park, Warren Road, Bangor (BT19 6YU)

Driving to start : Access is off the Donaghadee road, about 1.5 miles East of Groomsport and 2 miles North West of Donaghadee. Coming from Groomsport, pass the entrance to Orlock Road on your left and then look for the small left hand turn as the sea comes in to view.

Terrain : Rockt coastal path

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : There are no shops or toilet facilities on site. There are a number of shops, cafes restaurants and toilet facilities in Donaghadee and Groomsport.

Dog Policy : Dogs must be kept under close control

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Orlock point : Costal rocky views

(A) While catching your breath, enjoy the views of the Copelands with the Galloway coast, Mull of Kintyre and Ailsa Craig providing a hazy backdrop. Take a moment to look for farmland birds feeding in the cereal fields or birds of prey hunting along the field margins.