Scrabo Hill
| County | Distance | OS Map |
| Down | 2.3 miles | Sheet 21 |
| Nearest Town | Route Shape | RouteType |
| Newtownards | Circular | Hill |
| Terrain | Grid Reference (Start) | Grid Reference (Finish) |
| Off road paths, steep | J475723 | J475723 |
The walk takes in the summit of Scrabo Hill and the famous Scrabo Tower built in 1857, one of Ireland's best known landmarks. The views over Strangford Lough and North Down are some of the finest in the country. The walk then descends to the disused sandstone quarries which provided building stone since Anglo-Norman times. The old quarries have major geological importance and have been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
| Point of Interest | Scrabo Tower, open to the public from Easter to end September |
| Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty | Other Area |
| Route Description | From the top end of the main car park, cross road to reach tarmac access route leading to Scrabo Tower. Walker will pass a signposted picnic site on the right. On leaving the summit of Scrabo Hill return via the same route until arriving at a narrow path on the left. Follow this path downhill to reach the picnic site. At the opposite end of the site follow another path downhill, keeping to the left at a fork (follow direction arrow ). As it makes it's way downhill, the path provides views across the South Quarry. At the end of this path, turn left, passing to the side of a green barrier. The entrance to the South Quarry is now to the left. On leaving the South Quarry, follow the direction sign to the North Quarry on the left. Continue straight along this path and just short of 1km, arrive at sign post indicating the North Quarry to the left. Follow this path along the bottom of the quarry, eventually climbing a set of steps to a higher level and arriving at a junction of 4 paths. Continue straight across this junction to begin the return towards the car park. After 185m approx, the path already taken into the North Quarry is reached once again. From this point, continue straight on along this now familiar route back to the car park. |
| Getting to the Start | From Newtownards or the Comber bypass, follow the signs for Scrabo Country Park. Drive uphill to the Country Park's main car park ( Grid J 475722 ). |
| Facilities | Toilet block situated at the main car park at the start of the walk. A RADAR disabled toilet is available. |
| Accessible Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Accessible Terrain | The first section of this route is on tarmac but a steep gradient leads uphill to Scrabo Tower. The rest of the walk is on gravel paths which do have steps and steep incline sections. |
| Accessible Signage | The route has a number of green routed wooden direction signs. |
| Publication | N/A |
| Publication Availability | Environment & Heritage Service. Scrabo Country Park leaflet. Tel. 028 91 811491. |
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One feedback comment has been left by a reader about Scrabo Hill:
we walked to the top of Scrabo Hill whilst visiting Northern Ireland last week inspired by watching Eddie Irvine promoting Strangford Lough on "Britain's Best View" - we were not disappointed as the views were sensational and the walk to the magnificant Tower exhilerating.
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