Killard National Nature Reserve
Situated at the mouth of Strangford Lough, opposite Ballyquintin. The rich wildlife include orchids and other rarities, and interesting rock formations can be seen.
County Down
Distance 1.4 miles
OS Map Sheet 21
Terrain Coastal grassland, beach
Nearest Town Strangford
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J604434
Route Type Beach, Coastal
From the layby at Mill Quarter Bay, walk towards the shore. Keeping the sea on the left follow the line of the coast around the headline.
A sandy bay marks the end of the walk, turn and retrace your steps along the shore or over the grassland to Mill Quarter Bay.
Views of Lough and Sea, orchids
Take the Shore road out of Strangford. Cars may be left at lay-bys at Mill Quarter Bay.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
None
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Killard National Nature Reserve
We enjoyed a magical walk yesterday in glorious sunshine. The meadows were full of wildflowers, including orchids. We saw lots of blue butterflies, as well as a family of seals lazing on the rocks close to shore. A beautiful section of the Co. Down coast.
Wonderful. May ‘19. Looking for flowers – masses of native bluebells, Primroses, buttercups, Spring Squill, Violets, Milkworts, …..colour everywhere!
Sand Martin all busy whizzing about our heads.
Hawthorn like no other. Stunning!
I walked this today. June 25th 2017. The little wild orchids are nearly in full bloom. It was a peaceful Sunday afternoon walk. An easy walk, beautiful coastal views and rock pools. Sadly didn’t spot any butterflies this time – but will take my Mum back there next week for a picnic and spend more time looking rather than walking!