Killard Upper, a region in County Down, Northern Ireland, features a diverse landscape suitable for outdoor pursuits. The area is characterized by its varied coastline, which includes sandy bays, rocky foreshores, and geological formations shaped by glacial activity. Inland, lush meadows and unique rock formations provide a distinct natural environment. This setting supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling.
Killard Upper offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than…
40
Routes
4.8
(25)
Average rating
585
People visited

4.6
(11)
50
hikers
12.2km
03:17
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(3)
75
hikers
4.66km
01:15
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
26
hikers
7.74km
02:05
100m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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53
runners
15.7km
01:49
160m
150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

35
runners
7.73km
00:49
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
runners
8.11km
00:51
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
runners
10.1km
01:04
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
riders
29.2km
01:46
150m
150m
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.

1
riders
30.3km
01:48
160m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
44
riders
57.4km
02:25
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
39.3km
01:35
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

9
riders
23.5km
00:56
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
44.7km
01:51
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Killard Upper offers opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling. The region features diverse landscapes, including coastal paths and inland meadows, suitable for various outdoor pursuits.
Hiking trails in Killard Upper are generally moderately challenging. Surfaces can be uneven and slippery, with obstacles such as exposed roots and stiles. Some routes include short, steep climbs and descents.
Yes, Killard Upper offers easy hiking routes suitable for less strenuous activity. These routes often feature panoramic views of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. Information on these can be found in the Easy hikes around Killard Upper guide.
Killard Upper is characterized by its diverse coastline, including sandy bays, rocky foreshores, and cliffs. Notable geological formations include rounded hills, a rock cleft known as 'Gurgle Gurgle', and exposed bedrock smoothed by ancient ice sheets. Lush meadows with wildflowers are also present inland.
Killard Upper provides routes for both touring cycling and road cycling. Options range from easy rides on well-paved surfaces to more challenging routes with greater elevation gain. Specific routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Killard Upper guide and the Cycling around Killard Upper guide.
Killard National Nature Reserve is home to diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot fulmars, sand martins, kestrels, and peregrine falcons. Meadows support butterflies like common blues and meadow browns, and seals are often seen basking on rocks near the shore.
A popular walk exploring the Killard peninsula covers approximately 2.5 to 3.5 miles (4 to 5.6 kilometers). This route offers opportunities to observe diverse habitats and wildlife within the area.
Killard Upper is a popular destination, with more than 1,200 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. The region's routes have an average rating of 4.79 out of 5 stars.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Killard Upper, including Hiking around Killard Upper, Easy hikes around Killard Upper, Cycling around Killard Upper, Road Cycling Routes around Killard Upper, and Running Trails around Killard Upper.
For inquiries regarding the Killard National Nature Reserve, contact can be made via phone at 033 0137 4046. Alternatively, email correspondence can be sent to visitorservices@nmandd.org.
Killard Upper offers spectacular views of Strangford Lough, the Lecale coast, and the Irish Sea. On clear days, the Mourne Mountains and the Isle of Man may also be visible from various vantage points.
Killard Upper provides scenic coastal paths, sandy beaches (accessible at low tide), and grassy trails suitable for jogging. A dedicated guide for Running Trails around Killard Upper is available.

