Craigavad is a region situated on the County Down shore of Belfast Lough, characterized by its coastal environment and proximity to the North Down Coastal Path. The landscape features rocky shores, intertidal sea lough, sandy bays, and mature woodland, providing a varied backdrop for outdoor pursuits. This area offers opportunities for several sports like touring cycling, jogging, hiking, road cycling, and more, with direct access to scenic coastal routes. Geological formations along the coast include ancient sedimentary rock outcrops, adding…
75
Routes
4.4
(48)
Average rating
1783
People visited

28.9km
02:07
270m
270m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
15.9km
01:21
220m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
36.6km
02:25
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
5
riders
44.1km
02:43
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
61.3km
04:01
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
33.6km
02:16
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

24.7km
01:52
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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159
runners
8.60km
00:59
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
100
runners
20.8km
02:25
110m
110m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
65
runners
20.0km
02:20
140m
140m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

49
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
85
hikers
25.8km
06:43
180m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
66
hikers
21.3km
05:31
120m
120m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
48
hikers
18.6km
04:49
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

47
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
77
riders
19.9km
01:21
50m
50m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

33
riders
29.4km
01:39
240m
240m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

17
riders
73.0km
03:27
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

18
riders
87.0km
04:05
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Craigavad, located on the County Down shore of Belfast Lough, offers opportunities for touring cycling, jogging, hiking, and road cycling. The region provides direct access to the scenic North Down Coastal Path, which is suitable for various outdoor pursuits. More than 19,000 visitors have explored the area, with routes averaging a 4.51-star rating.
Yes, Craigavad is ideal for touring cyclists due to its direct access to the North Down Coastal Path. This path offers a mostly flat and well-surfaced route for leisurely exploration of the coastline. The broader County Down area also provides diverse landscapes for varied cycling experiences. For more information, see the Cycling around Craigavad guide.
The North Down Coastal Path serves as an excellent route for joggers in Craigavad. It provides a picturesque and often flat surface for steady runs, with continuous coastal scenery and views of Belfast Lough. The path is a popular option for outdoor exercise. Explore routes in the Running Trails around Craigavad guide.
Hikers can enjoy the varied terrain of the North Down Coastal Path, which is accessible from Craigavad. This path offers options from gentle walks along paved sections to more rugged and narrow parts, particularly near the Royal Belfast Golf Club. It provides opportunities to explore different habitats and observe wildlife. Find trails in the Hiking around Craigavad guide.
Road cyclists can utilize the local roads in and around Craigavad, which are part of the wider network in County Down. The region's geography includes gentle hills and quiet country roads, alongside flat coastal stretches. This allows for varied road cycling routes, from less demanding rides to more challenging excursions. Consult the Road Cycling Routes around Craigavad guide for options.
While Craigavad is primarily known for coastal activities, mountain biking trails are available in the broader area. These trails offer different challenges and terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. For specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Craigavad guide.
Yes, the North Down Coastal Path, accessible from Craigavad, is suitable for family-friendly outdoor activities. Its mostly flat and well-surfaced sections make it ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, and jogging with children. The scenic coastal views provide an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Along Craigavad's coastal routes, visitors can enjoy views across Belfast Lough, rocky shores, intertidal sea lough, and sandy bays. The area also features mature woodland and geological formations, including exposed ancient sedimentary rock outcrops dating back 400-500 million years. Grey seals can sometimes be observed offshore.
The North Down Coastal Path is a linear trail stretching approximately 16 miles (25.5 km) from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. Craigavad provides direct access to this path, allowing users to explore continuous sections of the coastline. The path offers varied terrain, including smooth concrete sections, beaches, and rocky shorelines.
Outdoor activities in Craigavad are popular on komoot, with more than 19,000 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users exploring the area.
Craigavad is a townland within the Ards and North Down Borough. Official information and resources for visitors can be found through the Ards and North Down Borough Council. Their official website is www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or visitardsandnorthdown.com, and general enquiries can be made by calling +44 (0)300 013 3333.
Yes, Craigavad offers easy routes suitable for beginners, particularly along the North Down Coastal Path. Many sections of this path are mostly flat and well-surfaced, making them accessible for those new to cycling, jogging, or hiking. The path provides a gentle introduction to outdoor activities with scenic coastal views.

