Clandeboye Way - Helen's Bay to Helen's Tower

Grade: Moderate - strenuous, 6-12 miles (depends if you walk it one way or return).

The Clandeboye Way is a wonderful out and back walk that goes from Helen's Bay to Helen's Tower and back. The distance is around 6 miles each way.

Ken Thompson has kindly offered to bring us on one of his favourite walks in Northern Ireland and will be leading the group on the day. I’m really looking forward to doing this walk myself.

This is a varied off-road walk with woodland trails, old laneways, farm tracks, and countryside scenery along the route. We’ll also have some great views across County Down from Helen’s Tower on a clear day.

The route is graded moderate to strenuous due to uneven terrain and the distance, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. That said, it's a very doable walk as it's mostly flat or a very gentle incline other than the last bit going up to Helen's Tower itself.

Please note that the route includes crossing three busy roads including the Belfast–Bangor dual carriageway, so care will be needed at this section.

There’s also the option to walk the route one way only. For anyone wishing to do this, we can organise a car drop at Helen’s Tower. Please indicate in the RSVP question whether you plan to do the full return walk or just one way.

As always, there will plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the surroundings.

🎒 Please bring sturdy footwear (and poles), water, a packed lunch and weather-appropriate clothing.

📍 Click on the map in this note. Whether driving or walking from the train station, Google Maps will bring you to the start of the walk.

🚗 Driving: Follow the Belfast Road/A2 and turn onto Craigdarragh Road towards. Park in the car park or one of the nearby side streets.

🚆 Public transport option: There is a train departing Grand Central Station at 9:35am, arriving at Helen's Bay Railway Station at 10:06am. From there, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to the meeting point.

If you want a lift, post up requesting with the general direction you're coming from and a driver close by may oblige. Please tip your driver. See 'about' section for guidelines on taking and offering lifts.

This walk costs £6 for non-members and £1 for members.

Lost or late, just SMS me or ring me on 07583 042962
Looking forward to a great day outdoors!