Days Out NI
Greenway & cycle trail Holywood

North Down Coastal Path

Free Belfast Lough walking, with a flat traffic-free family bike run from Bangor to Helen's Bay

6 photos
Open accessRide it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
HolywoodGreenway & cycle trail
Get directionsOfficial website
16 milesDistance
Full dayHow long
FreeCost
TarmacSurface
Buggy okBest for

North Down Coastal Path — Free Belfast Lough walking, with a flat traffic-free family bike run from Bangor to Helen's Bay.

  • Distance: 16 miles end to end; the central traffic-free family stretch is about 5 miles, with the Helen's Bay to Bangor leg around 3.4 miles.
  • Surface: Mostly tarmac/bitmac, with some stone, grass and beach sections; the Helen's Bay to Bangor leg is over 90% asphalt.
  • Gradient: Flat on the Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch; the wider path is strenuous with steep climbs, descents and steps.
  • Traffic-free: The Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch is fully traffic-free; other parts cross short private-road sections where residents have right of way.
  • Bike hire: None on the path, bring your own.
  • Buggy / scooter: Yes on the flat tarmac Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch; not the rougher hilly ends.
Plan your visit

The flat, traffic-free bit kids can ride

If you've younger children or bikes, head for the Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch, around 5 miles of coast path that's fully traffic-free and almost all tarmac. The Helen's Bay to Bangor leg alone is about 3.4 miles, over 90% asphalt and rated easy on the National Cycle Network as Route 93. It's flat, sits right by the water, and takes you past Crawfordsburn Beach, Stricklands Glen and Smelt Mill Bay. You can stop at Crawfordsburn Country Park for the cafe and play, or roll into Bangor for Pickie Funpark at the marina end. This is the part that's genuinely buggy and scooter friendly.

Free 16 miles total Tarmac coast path Traffic-free Bangor to Helen's Bay Sea views & beaches Buggy-friendly stretch
Good to know before you go:

Greenways and coastal paths across NI host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger-led walks through the year. Check listings for current dates near you.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.
  • 🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.
  • 💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.
  • 🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free, open all year
Start / parking
Holywood Esplanade for the full path; for families park free at Bangor Marina or Helen's Bay car park (toilets there)
Distance
16 miles end to end; the central traffic-free family stretch is about 5 miles, with the Helen's Bay to Bangor leg around 3.4 miles
Surface
Mostly tarmac/bitmac, with some stone, grass and beach sections; the Helen's Bay to Bangor leg is over 90% asphalt
Gradient
Flat on the Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch; the wider path is strenuous with steep climbs, descents and steps
Traffic-free?
The Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch is fully traffic-free; other parts cross short private-road sections where residents have right of way
Bike hire
None on the path, bring your own
Buggy / scooter friendly
Yes on the flat tarmac Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch; not the rougher hilly ends
Toilets / food
Toilets, cafes and shops in Holywood, Helen's Bay, Bangor and Groomsport; cafe at Crawfordsburn Country Park
How long to allow
Two to three hours for the central family stretch; a full day for the whole path
Address
North Down Coastal Path, The Esplanade, Holywood, Co Down BT18 9RB (Bangor Marina, BT20 5ED, for the family stretch)
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free, open all year
How long is the route?
16 miles end to end; the central traffic-free family stretch is about 5 miles, with the Helen's Bay to Bangor leg around 3.4 miles
Is it traffic-free?
The Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch is fully traffic-free; other parts cross short private-road sections where residents have right of way
Can I hire a bike?
None on the path, bring your own
Is it buggy and scooter friendly?
Yes on the flat tarmac Bangor to Helen's Bay stretch; not the rougher hilly ends
Getting there

North Down Coastal Path starts at Holywood Esplanade for the full path; for families park free at Bangor Marina or Helen's Bay car park (toilets there). Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around HolywoodSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle
The story

About this trail

The North Down Coastal Path is one of Northern Ireland's best-known coastal walks, threading 16 miles along the south shore of Belfast Lough from Holywood east through Bangor to the headland at Orlock. It links a string of seaside towns and villages, including Helen's Bay, Bangor and Groomsport, and was created to open up continuous public access along this stretch of coast.

Along the way the route passes real landmarks: Grey Point Fort, a coastal battery built to guard the lough; Crawfordsburn Country Park with its beaches and glen; and the rocky points of Ballymacormick and Orlock. Information boards dot the path, and grey seals are often seen offshore.

Today it's managed as a walking trail by Ards and North Down, while its flat central section doubles as part of National Cycle Network Route 93, giving families a safe, traffic-free way to ride beside the sea.