Easy hikes and walks around Craigogantlet
4.6
(106)
3,033
hikers
182
hikes
Hiking around Craigogantlet offers diverse landscapes characterized by rolling countryside, woodlands, and elevated viewpoints. The region includes features such as the Craigantlet Hills and Cairn Wood, providing a variety of natural settings for outdoor activities. These areas feature mixed woodlands, open grass, and heathland, with some elevated positions offering views of reservoirs and distant loughs.
Best easy hiking trails around Craigogantlet
- The most popular easy hiking route is Redburn Country Park, a 2.9 miles (4.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete. This route offers easily accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Scrabo Tower loop from Newtownards, an easy 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. This trail features a gradual ascent to a prominent landmark, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Local hikers also love the Cairn Wood loop from Ballysallagh Upper Reservoir, a 2.2 miles (3.6 km) trail leading through mixed woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 2 minutes.
- Hiking around Craigogantlet is defined by rolling countryside, mixed woodlands, and elevated viewpoints. The network offers options for different ability levels, with many easy hiking trails available.
- The routes in Craigogantlet are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 3,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Craigogantlet's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.9
(7)
104
hikers
4.67km
01:23
150m
150m
Redburn Country Park offers a rewarding hiking experience with varied terrain and stunning views over Belfast Lough. This easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) route, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 23 minutes, includes peaceful walks through parkland and mixed woodland. You will encounter some short, steep climbs and descents, especially the initial ascent from the main car park, gaining 483 feet (147 metres) in elevation. The surface can be uneven, with exposed roots and potentially muddy sections after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
When planning your visit, be aware that the trails feature moderately challenging sections, including narrow gates, stiles, and steps. The park's pathways can be slippery or muddy, particularly after wet weather, so check conditions before you go. While some parts are gentle, the steeper climbs provide a good workout, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Consider visiting in spring to witness the beautiful display of bluebells, wood sorrel, and anemones.
Redburn Country Park is notable for its incredible panoramic views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills from the escarpment. It is also a significant ecological space, home to a resident population of red squirrels, rabbits, and numerous bird species like tits and finches. Beyond hiking, you can enjoy bird watching, plane spotting due to its proximity to Belfast City Airport, and kite flying, with dedicated bridle paths also available for horse riding.
5.0
(2)
55
hikers
6.28km
01:51
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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37
hikers
4.04km
01:06
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
38
hikers
3.61km
01:02
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
3.62km
01:08
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the first time I have used this app, and as I have asthma, I need to be mindful of the routes I take. It was listed as easy, but the path from the small car park was steep and uneven. It is irresponsible to list this incorrectly. Get a grip of yourselves!!
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Scrabo Tower is an impressive 19th century folly that stands on Scrabo Hill in County Down. It is one of the most well-known landmarks in Northern Ireland. Inside the tower is an exhibition and short video explaining its history and outside the tower you can enjoy some incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside
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Follow a number of quaint wooded trails through the beautiful Redburn Country Park, situated on a beautiful escarpment above Belfast Lough.
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19th-century folly and lookout tower near Bangor. Named after the 5th Baron's mother, Helen. He intended it as a shrine for poems - Tennyson's Helen's Tower is the best known of them. Well worth a stop off to explore the architecture.
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A lovely walk especially from Helens Bay - through rolling country side, however there is no signage but reasonable easy to follow - that is until to come to Helen's Tower - if you find it give yourself a Mars bar and if you manage to find your way to your cat at Whitespots car park - give yourself two Mars bars. Enjoy :-)
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Woodland gravel path alongside a quarry and up in to Scrabo Country Park and Killynether Wood
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Beautiful Forest / Woodland gravel paths shared with Dog Walkers, joggers etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Craigogantlet?
Craigogantlet offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 130 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the region features nearly 200 hiking routes suitable for various abilities.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes around Craigogantlet?
Easy hikes in Craigogantlet feature diverse landscapes including rolling countryside, mixed woodlands, and elevated viewpoints. You'll find areas like Cairn Wood with beech, oak, and birch trees, alongside open grass and heathland. Many trails offer scenic views of reservoirs, Belfast Lough, and even Scotland on clear days.
Are there any family-friendly easy walks in Craigogantlet?
Yes, Craigogantlet has several family-friendly options. Redburn Country Park is particularly suitable, offering easily accessible paths for all fitness levels. Cairn Wood also features multi-use trails like the Ballysallagh Trail, which are great for families and even cycling.
Are there any circular easy hiking routes in Craigogantlet?
Yes, many easy trails in Craigogantlet are circular. For example, the Cairn Wood loop from Ballysallagh Upper Reservoir is a popular easy circular route through mixed woodlands. Another option is the Scrabo Tower loop from Newtownards, which offers panoramic views.
What landmarks or viewpoints can I see on easy hikes in Craigogantlet?
On easy hikes, you can enjoy several notable landmarks and viewpoints. The Scrabo Tower loop from Newtownards leads to a prominent landmark with extensive views. From Cairn Wood, you can see Ballysallagh reservoirs, Belfast Lough, and Strangford Lough. You might also encounter Helen's Tower, a 19th-century folly, on routes like the Helen's Tower loop from Ballyskeagh Low.
Are there any easy trails that pass by lakes or reservoirs?
Yes, several easy trails offer views of lakes and reservoirs. The Cairn Wood loop from Ballysallagh Upper Reservoir starts near a scenic reservoir. Additionally, from elevated positions in Cairn Wood, you can enjoy views towards the Ballysallagh reservoirs. You can also explore highlights like Victoria Park Lake or Kiltonga Nature Reserve Lake in the wider area.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Craigogantlet?
The easy trails in Craigogantlet are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the quiet woodlands, and the rewarding views from elevated points.
Is parking available for easy hikes in Craigogantlet?
Yes, many popular hiking areas in Craigogantlet, such as Cairn Wood and Redburn Country Park, have dedicated car parks. The region is continuously developing facilities, including new car parks, to enhance the visitor experience.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Craigogantlet?
Craigogantlet offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings flowering meadows and fresh greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant woodland colors. Summer is ideal for longer days and clear views. Even in winter, the trails can be beautiful, though some paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails in Craigogantlet?
Many trails in Craigogantlet, especially those in country parks and woodlands like Cairn Wood and Redburn Country Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Are there any easy trails with good viewpoints of Belfast Lough?
Yes, from elevated positions within areas like Cairn Wood, you can get breathtaking views northeast towards Belfast Lough. The Redburn Viewpoint loop from George Best Belfast City Airport also offers scenic vistas.
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