Ballyquintin Farm, Bar Hall Bay Trail
A grassland walk situated at the very tip of the Ards Peninsula at the mouth of Strangford Lough. This walk passes through farmland, rocky shore and beach owned and managed by the National Trust. Take in views across Strangford Lough to Killard Point and across the Irish sea to The Isle of Man on a clear day. The rich coastal grassland here includes some sensitive and rare flowers including orchids and wild – dwarfed Burnett rose. Bird Watchers: Look out for the bird species include skylarks, linnets, peregrine falcons, buzzards, kestrals and Brent geese.
County Down
Distance 1.5 miles
OS Map 21
Terrain Off road paths, rural road
Nearest Town Portaferry
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J623465
Route Type Coastal
From the car park, set off down the hill, following the signs to Port Kelly. Crossing through the stile on your left follow the path through the field to the next stile. Here turn right and follow the trail down to the shore. After exploring Port Kelly for a while, retrace your steps for a short distance and carry on past the previous stile following the signs in the direction of Bar Hall Bay. This will eventually lead you down a grassy lane and through a field and two more stiles before coming out onto the shore at Bar Hall Bay. Turn right and follow this path northwards along the shore looking out for seals basking on the rocks as you go. When reaching the road, turn right. 200m along this road pass through the gate on the left which takes you along the side of a field to the top of Bar Hall Hill. From here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views across the Strangford Narrows and the Irish Sea. Go back down the hill and turn left to rejoin the road, taking the first turning on your right. This follows the access road along which you arrived and will take you back to the car park.
Coastal views and wildlife in an unspoilt natural habitat
Take the coastal road south of Portaferry. After about 5km National Trust signage directs to Ballyquintin Farm and Nature Reserve on the right.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Must be kept on a lead.
Car park. The nearby towns of Portaferry and Strangford have several popular pubs, restaurants and cafes.
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
– Disabled parking
Grade
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Walk Route
Ballyquintin Farm, Bar Hall Bay Trail
We did this walk on Saturday. Beautiful countryside and views. When you walk down the green grassy lane, do not be tempted to go across the farmers field which is through the metal gate. Instead turn right to the less obvious path which keeps you on track! great views, peaceful quiet and full of birdsong witg Kestral hovering over fields.