Things to Do around Ards
Ards is a region in Northern Ireland, primarily known for the Ards Peninsula, which separates Strangford Lough from the Irish Sea. The area features a diverse landscape of coastal paths, tranquil loughs, woodlands, and gentle hills, making it suitable for various outdoor pursuits. This geographical composition provides varied terrain for several sports like touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, jogging, and more. The region's natural features, including its extensive coastline and the unique Strangford Lough, offer a distinct setting for outdoor…
385
Routes
4.7
(137)
Average rating
3972
People visited
4.0
(5)
38
hikers
7.57km
02:00
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
42
hikers
6.58km
01:40
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
4.01km
01:11
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
5.59km
01:25
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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59
runners
6.60km
00:45
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
42
runners
23.5km
02:44
280m
280m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
runners
9.99km
01:03
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
runners
4.51km
00:28
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
82.2km
03:34
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
67
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(12)
98
riders
71.2km
02:59
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(2)
77
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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6
riders
136km
08:23
890m
890m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
54.9km
03:17
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
15.8km
00:57
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
57.1km
03:21
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Top attractions in the region
Explore the region
Most popular attractions in Ards
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in the Ards region?
The Ards region offers a variety of outdoor activities including touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. There are over 380 routes available, with an average rating of 4.55 stars from more than 34,000 visitors. Mountain biking is also an option in the area.
What are the most popular cycling routes in the Ards Peninsula?
The Strangford Lough Cycle Loop is a notable 82-mile (132 km) route that can be enjoyed in sections. Shorter options include the Ards Peninsula quarter loop from Newtownards, which is 24.2 miles (39 km), and the Comber to Mahee Island loop, covering 15 miles (24 km). These routes offer coastal views and access to historical landmarks.
Are there family-friendly cycling routes in Ards?
Yes, the Ards region offers family-friendly cycling options. Routes like the Comber to Mahee Island loop provide an easier experience with coastal vistas. For more options, consult the Traffic-free bike rides around Ards guide.
What are some notable hiking trails in Ards?
Notable hiking trails include the Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower trail, which is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and offers panoramic views. The Mount Stewart Lake & Green Trail is an easy 4.7-mile (7.6 km) path through woodlands. The Kearney Coastal Walk provides sea views over Knockinelder Bay.
Are there dog-friendly trails in the Ards region?
Yes, the Ards region features trails suitable for dogs. Many paths through woodlands and along coastal areas welcome canine companions. For specific recommendations, refer to the Dog-friendly hikes around Ards guide.
What natural features can be seen in Ards?
The Ards region is known for Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles, which is a Marine Conservation Zone. The area also boasts 115 miles (185 km) of coastline with varied landscapes. Scrabo Tower offers panoramic views over the northern end of the Ards Peninsula.
Where can I find komoot guides for activities in Ards?
Komoot offers several guides for the Ards region, including Cycling around Ards, Hiking around Ards, and Running Trails around Ards. There are also guides for family-friendly and dog-friendly options.
Are there easy hiking routes in Ards for beginners?
Yes, Ards offers numerous easy hiking routes suitable for beginners. The Mount Stewart Lake & Green Trail is an easy 4.7-mile (7.6 km) path. The Easy hikes around Ards guide provides more options.
What historical sites are accessible via trails in Ards?
Trails in Ards lead to various historical sites. Cyclists can access landmarks like Mount Stewart Gardens and Nendrum Monastery Ruins. Scrabo Tower, a historic monument, is also a prominent feature along hiking routes.
How can I contact the Ards and North Down tourism information?
The official tourism website for the Ards and North Down area is visitardsandnorthdown.com. For direct inquiries, the Ards Visitor Information Centre can be reached at +44 (0)28 9182 6846.
Are there options for road cycling in Ards?
Yes, the Ards region provides routes for road cycling. The Ards Peninsula offers an excellent network of roads suitable for this sport. The Road Cycling Routes around Ards guide details specific options.
What is the average rating for routes in Ards on komoot?
Routes in the Ards region have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from over 34,000 visitors who have explored the area's more than 380 routes.
