NORTHERN IRELAND
10. County Down Crawfordsburn
Distance: 3.9/6.3km | Time: 2.5 hours | Grade: Easy | Total ascent: 115m
Stretching from two beautiful beaches on the southern shore of Belfast Lough, Crawfordsburn Country Park encompasses an impressive mix of landscapes.
As well as the sandy beaches and rocky shoreline, there is mature woodland, a historic fort and several beautiful, flower-filled meadows that are simply radiant in early summer.
The best way to explore the park is by following the circular Meadow Walk, the lengthiest signed trail at two miles long. This is the park’s most varied route, visiting all its different habitats. There’s also an optional coastal extension for anyone who prefers a longer outing.
1. START
Start at the park visitor centre, where you pick up signs indicating the route of the Meadow Walk. Begin by heading south towards the area known as The Glen. This is an enclave of undulating woodland that spans either side of Lorne Burn. The mature beech trees and burbling stream provide a peaceful haven for all sorts of woodland wildlife including badgers, hedgehogs and jays.
2. 1 MILE
You get a view of Lanyon’s Viaduct – a multi- arched railway bridge that dates from the 19th-century – before veering east towards two swathes of open grassland known as 21 Acres and Wildflower Meadow. Early summer is peak time for flora here, when a kaleidoscope of flowers are in bloom, with orchids prime among them. Butterflies and other insects take full advantage of the natural abundance, and it’s a pleasure to linger amid such a thriving and beautiful habitat.
3. 1.4 MILES
The route brings you to the coast beside a rocky outcrop. Turn left and follow the shoreline west, past the golden sands of Crawfordsburn Beach. Stretching for 700m, this strand is popular with families during the summer.
Half-way along the beach, the coastal path veers inland beside Lorne Burn. This is where the Meadow Walk leaves the coast and heads south, bringing you back to the visitor centre.
4. 1.8 MILES
If you feel like extending your outing by a mile and a half, it’s easy to continue ahead at Lorne Burn, following the park’s paved Coastal Walk.
This out-and-back excursion will bring you further west along the shore, past another sandy beach, to the headland of Grey Point. Here you will find Grey Point Fort.
This coastal battery helped to protect Belfast Lough during the First and Second World Wars, and still has one of its massive guns in place.
USEFUL INFO
Starting Point
Crawfordsburn Country Park Visitor Centre, Bridge Road South Helen’s Bay, BT19 1JT. Follow signs to the park from the A2 Belfast to Bangor road.
Terrain
Mainly flat unsurfaced footpaths with steps and stiles in places.
Map
OS Discoverer 15
Eat/Drink
The park’s excellent Woodland Café, open daily from 10am to 4pm, is a perfect spot for lunches, teas and cakes.
Stay
The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn dates from 1614 and is very close. theoldinn.com