Cycle Routes around Ards and North Down
Below is a selection of cycling routes around Bangor and the Ards peninsula, curated by our members. Please be aware that the traffic on some of these routes can be quite busy during rush-hour and school drop-off and pick-up times.
Plan accordingly!
Click on the links for route details.
01
Victorian Bangor
This circular route starts and ends at Bangor train station.
02
Ballyholme and Groomsport
An easy loop through quiet lanes taking in picturesque Ballyholme and Groomsport
03
Columban Way Loop
A circular loop from Bangor West to Helen's Bay, following part of the Columban Way. Best done on a MTB, in dry conditions.
GPX file here.
04
Bangor to Orlock
An MTB or ATB route that includes off-road sections occasionally rough in places, eg around Orlock Head, which might require some hike-a-bike. GPX file here.
04
Walled Garden to Linear Park
A gentle out-and-back 8km route using existing cycle infrastructure, ideal for novices and for those with tag-a-long bikes for young children. Lots of opportunities for stops for food and ice-cream. GPX file here.
05
Easy Ride along Strangford Lough
This scenic out-and-back ride along the western edge of Strangford Lough is suitable for everyone, including children who will be interested in the great variety of bird wildlife that is there to see.
Please watch out for walkers - the path is very popular with dog walkers and at low tide with birders and photographers.
This a flat route except for a short down-the-dip-and-up section about 200m from the start.
06
Exploring beyond Strangford
A little further afield, this ride commences in Portaferry where we take the ferry as foot passengers across to Strangford. From there the route meanders through quiet lanes along the Irish Sea to either Chapeltown or Ardglass, returning back to Strangford inland. There are a couple of deceptively steep hills on the way back!
GPX file here.
Tourist Information
Things to do around Ards and North Down and the City of Bangor
Bangor Tourist Information Centre - ask for some local cycle route maps!
A list of Greenways on the Emerald Isle
The island of Ireland is a wonderful place to cycle, provided you are prepared for the weather which can be changeable.
Click on the links below for some ideas: