Every dog owner knows that the joy of a wagging tail is complemented by the thrill of a great walk. For those residents of Newtownards, the picturesque surroundings and charming landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for adventures with your furry friend. Below, you’ll find an enticing trove of dog-friendly walks that not only promise exploration but also an opportunity to revel in the splendour of nature. Each locale holds its own unique charm, akin to different chapters in a beloved storybook. Here are ten of the best dog walks near Newtownards.
1. Castle Ward Estate
Address: Castle Ward, Strangford, BT30 7JA
Contact: +44 28 4488 1204
Website: National Trust – Castle Ward
Imagine walking through a romantic landscape where the past whispers through the trees. Castle Ward Estate, a sprawling 820-acre venue, provides a labyrinth of trails perfect for canine companions. The enchanting mix of woodland and gardens allows for diverse exploration—each step unveiling a new treasure. Your dog will revel in the open spaces, as you each breathe in the crisp air layered with history.
2. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Address: 33A Old Inn Rd, Crawfordsburn, BT19 1JH
Contact: +44 28 9127 0071
Website: Crawfordsburn Country Park
When the sea breeze dances through your hair, and the waves crash melodiously against the rocks, you are in Crawfordsburn Country Park. This coastline treasure offers a picturesque blend of sandy shores and rugged trails. Dogs can frolic along the beach, their paws sinking into golden sand. The experienced can follow tougher paths that meander through the dunes and glens, inviting both adventure and serenity.
3. The Ulster Way
Address: Various access points throughout Northern Ireland
Contact: +44 28 9043 0950
Website: Walk NI
With all the allure of an epic journey, the Ulster Way stretches over 1,000 miles, revealing the beauty of Northern Ireland’s landscapes. Various access points allow you to tailor your adventure to suit your dog’s energy levels and your own curiosity. As you traverse the paths, mesmerising vistas reveal themselves, as ephemeral as they are enchanting—a perfect ode to exploration.
4. Greyabbey Woods
Address: Greyabbey, BT22 2NR
Contact: +44 28 9181 1450
Website: Greyabbey Woods
Step into Greyabbey Woods, where the dappled sunlight filters through the trees, creating an enchanting atmosphere that feels almost ethereal. This serene woodland offers both a gentle stroll and a more vigorous hike, with well-marked trails guiding your way. The aromatic notes of pine and earth will invigorate both you and your dog, while the tranquil sounds of nature provide a soothing soundtrack to your wanderings.
5. Strangford Lough
Address: Strangford, BT30 7NQ
Contact: +44 28 4488 1204
Website: Strangford Lough
In the embrace of Strangford Lough, you will feel time slow down, akin to watching the tide pull gently at the shore. This majestic lough presents a veritable smorgasbord of walking paths, with panoramic views that captivate the eye. Whether you choose a coastal route or one that meanders through lush fields, your canine companion will delight in the varied terrain and myriad of scents.
6. Mount Stewart Gardens
Address: 43 Newtownards Rd, Greyabbey, BT22 2AD
Contact: +44 28 4278 8387
Website: National Trust – Mount Stewart
Just as a painter masterfully blends colours, Mount Stewart Gardens combines flora in a breathtaking mosaic. The meticulously curated garden provides a whimsical escape for you and your dog. Meandering pathways invite exploration, with each turn revealing vibrant blooms and hidden nooks. The sensory experience is thorough; the sights, sounds, and smells intertwine, creating a living tapestry.
7. Comber Greenway
Address: Access from various points in Comber and Newtownards
Contact: +44 28 9182 5711
Website: Newtownards Borough Council
Comber Greenway offers a delightful promenade that captures the essence of community interaction and natural beauty. Stretching along a former railway, it serves as a seamless link between towns, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or invigorating jogs. This versatile path offers ample opportunity for your dog to socialise and for you to engage with fellow walkers, creating a delightful ambience.
8. Ballywalter Beach
Address: Main Rd, Ballywalter, BT22 2PJ
Contact: +44 28 4272 8511
Website: Visit Strangford Lough
At Ballywalter Beach, the horizon stretches infinitely, offering both solace and exploration. As you and your dog roam the sandy shores, the rhythmic crash of waves lulls you into a state of blissful relaxation. The expansive beach welcomes frolicsome dogs, allowing them the freedom to chase waves and sniff at the salty breeze, while their owners can bask in the beauty of the ever-changing seascape.
9. Kearney Village
Address: Kearney, BT22 2NQ
Contact: +44 28 4488 1204
Website: Kearney Village
Timeless charm emanates from Kearney Village, an idyllic coastal hamlet that seems untouched by time. Here, quaint stone cottages and scenic pathways provide an enchanting environment for a leisurely stroll. The beach is only a stone’s throw away, beckoning canine companions to dash across the sand while their owners savour the quaint atmosphere and breathtaking sea vistas that unfold before them.
10. Portaferry Coastal Path
Address: 2-4 High St, Portaferry, BT22 1QA
Contact: +44 28 4272 8687
Website: Portaferry Community
The Portaferry Coastal Path serves as an evocative reminder of how land and sea harmoniously intertwine. Offering arresting views of the lough and rugged coastline, this trail meanders through dramatic landscapes ripe for exploration. The wildflowers punctuate the path, and your dog will delight in the abundance of natural wonders. This final chapter in your walking series culminates in a symphony of sights that are both peaceful and profound.
As you embark on these explorative journeys, allow the serenity of each locale to wash over you and your dog, creating memories built around the simple joys of living in the moment. Newtownards and its surrounding areas present myriad opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature, opening the door to countless adventures waiting to be discovered.
