North Down & Ards

'Our self-guided walking trials include the Woodland Walk and Sustainability Trail. Look out for wild birds and learn about local ecology.'

'With two excellent beaches, spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough, tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.'

'Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership.

Like other U3As 'is an autonomous organisation with over 1000 members who have the opportunity to participate in over 50 different activities'.

'A variety of walks are available in Redburn. All walks start from the main car park. Those who do venture to the top are rewarded with amazing views over Belfast Lough.'

'Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland's first marine nature reserve and is the British Isles' largest inlet, internationally renowned for its marine, plant and wildlife.'

'If you are a visitor to the area, or indeed a local and want to spend a little time finding out more about the history and heritage of the local towns and villages then the Walking Guides ... are perfect for you.'

Note As part of the translation of Ards Borough Council into Ards and North Down Borough Council, these Walking Guides should now be accessible via the Publications Section of the Visit Strangford Lough Website.

'Bangor's history is a wide and varied one. The first settlement was in Neolithic times but it was the founding of the monastery by St Comgall in AD558 that laid the town foundations ...'

'Extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland. Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore.