This is a new very scenic section of greenway which utilises much of the old railway track and runs between Floodgates, Newtownards as far as Green Road, in Bangor. It includes up to four-metre-wide paths for walking, wheeling and cycling.
The intention of Ards and North Down Borough Council, who built this section, is to join the route to Comber town and the established 7-mile Comber Greenway that leads all the way into Belfast.
The route begins beside Green Road Community Centre, at Conlig, Bangor. It is a traffic-free route through Breezemount housing estate. Then you’re out in open country, on a wide path that runs parallel but hidden from the Bangor to Newtownards Road (A21). This is called the Whitespots Line as it leads to Whitespots Country Park.
Take care crossing a country lane, Drumhirk Way, which is quite busy with large vehicles. You will pass under an old stone bridge and reach the entrance to the Ark Open Farm, popular with families. There is small car park here. A new foot and cycle bridge then connects across the A21 dual-carriageway if you want to visit Whitespots Country Park and the Somme Museum.
This is a new very scenic section of the greenway which utilises much of the old railway track and runs between Floodgates, Newtownards as far as Green Road, in Bangor. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Alternatively, you can carry on along the greenway which was the route of the old Belfast and County Down Railway to arrive in Newtownards. The traffic-free path comes out nearly opposite the Belvedere Road, off the Bangor Road (A21).
Using the toucan crossing, there is a short section of greenway that leads to the entrance of the SERC Newtownards campus (South Eastern Regional College).
The greenway begins again from Londonderry Park but to reach it you must travel an on-road section through Newtownards with some very busy junctions and two mini-roundabouts. This is feasible on foot along the footpaths but only recommended on-road for experienced, confident cyclists.
You can access the greenway through Londonderry Park from Georges Street, near the junction with the Portaferry Road. There is a shared path along the canal but head towards the front of the leisure centre and car park adjacent to the Portaferry Road.
Use the toucan crossing and follow the sign to the Floodgates coastal path of the Comber Greenway. This passes near the grounds of Ards airport and then on to a scenic stretch along the shore of Strangford Lough, passing Ards allotments.
The path finishes at locked gates at Ballyrickard sewage treatment works. Beyond the gate the path joins the very busy A21 Newtownards Road which is not for the faint-hearted on a bike. There are plans to construct a protected cycle lane along this road to join up with Comber town, and eventually the original Comber Greenway section to Belfast.
Points of Interest:
Bangor
Bangor seaside town has plenty of good restaurants, cafes and bars. You can access the north Down coastal path from Bangor Marina for both walking and cycling.
Along the greenway
Newtownards
Busy market town with lots of independent shops, cafes and bars. Children love to see statue of Paddington bear in Conway Square.
Cycle repair stations
Queen's Parade, Bangor (near Marina car park).
Public transport links
Bangor bus and train station (for access to Belfast and stops along Belfast Lough)
Newtownards Bus station, Regent Street
Check Translink timetables for information.
Nearby routes
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
