4.7
(10)
299
hikers
20
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ballygowan offer a diverse landscape for outdoor exploration. The region features accessible forest parks with peaceful woodlands, tranquil reservoir shorelines, and gentle rolling hills. Proximity to Strangford Lough also provides unique coastal paths and views. This varied terrain caters to different fitness levels, making it suitable for a range of hiking experiences.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(2)
38
hikers
6.01km
01:36
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
6.59km
01:45
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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13
hikers
3.84km
01:01
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
5.25km
01:24
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The tower is an exact replica of an Irish round tower and is 27 m high and 7.5 m wide at the base.
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The Chaine Memorial Tower, or "The Pencil" as it is known locally, is an impressive lighthouse made of Irish granite, built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour. The tower was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in March 1899.
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The MV Princess Victoria, completed in 1947, was one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries. During a severe winter storm, the ferry sank on January 31, 1953, and 135 people lost their lives.
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Affectionately known as ‘The Pencil’ The granite tower was built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the Harbour's developer. It's an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower and was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1899. Has stood like a sentinel over the Lough ever since.
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Woodburn Forest is a picturesque woodland area west of Carrickfergus, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Popular among hikers, it offers scenic trails, serene reservoirs, and abundant wildlife.
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'The Pencil' as it's known locally. Built in the 1890's as a memorial to James Chaine who developed Larne Harbour.
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Hard packed gravel through Woodburn. Suitable and fun for all bike types.
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Larne is a small town with a rich history and plenty of good cafes for a stop off.
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There are 8 easy hiking trails specifically designed for a relaxed experience around Ballygowan. In total, the region offers over 20 hiking routes for various skill levels.
Easy hikes around Ballygowan feature a diverse mix of landscapes. You'll find peaceful woodland paths, tranquil reservoir shorelines like Killylane Reservoir, and gentle rolling hills. The region's proximity to Strangford Lough also offers unique coastal paths and views.
Yes, many easy trails around Ballygowan are circular. For example, the Woodburn Forest loop from Slievetrue is an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) path offering varied scenery. Another option is the Forest Dirt Bike Trail loop from North Woodburn Reservoir, which is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) and takes you through woodlands and alongside the reservoir.
The easy trails in Ballygowan are generally suitable for families. The Causeway Coast and Glens - 7 - Woodburn Forest route, a 3.7-mile (6.0 km) path through peaceful woodlands, is a great choice. The Comber Greenway, a traffic-free path connecting Belfast with Comber, also offers scenic views and is ideal for family walks.
Yes, several easy routes offer scenic viewpoints and access to landmarks. Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower provide panoramic views over Strangford Lough. You can also find highlights like Woodburn Reservoir and Killylane Reservoir along various trails. Historic sites like Carrickfergus Castle and the Knockagh Monument are also nearby.
Easy hikes in Ballygowan typically range from 1 to 2.5 hours. For instance, the Forest Dirt Bike Trail loop from North Woodburn Reservoir can be completed in about 1 hour, while the Causeway Coast and Glens - 7 - Woodburn Forest route takes around 1 hour 36 minutes.
The easy trails in Ballygowan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful woodlands, accessible paths, and varied scenery that make for enjoyable and relaxed outings.
Yes, Ballygowan is surrounded by accessible forest parks perfect for easy trails. Ballyboley Forest and Woodburn Forest offer extensive networks of paths through peaceful woodlands. The Woodburn Forest loop from Anglers Car Park is a great example of an easy route within these areas.
Absolutely. Hiking around Ballygowan often includes trails along reservoir shorelines, providing tranquil settings. The Killylane Reservoir area is a notable example, offering scenic routes that sometimes form part of longer loops through nearby forests.
Ballygowan's easy trails are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild weather and beautiful seasonal colors. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter walks can be serene, though some paths might be muddy.
Yes, the region's proximity to Strangford Lough provides unique coastal and tidal trails. The Rough Island loop, an easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) tidal trail, is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal scenery, though it's important to check tide times before visiting.


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