Easy hikes and walks around Balloo
4.6
(26)
447
hikers
31
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Balloo, located in County Down, Northern Ireland, offer diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The region features rolling hills, woodlands, and scenic shoreline paths along Strangford Lough, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Inland areas provide varied terrain, while coastal sections offer water views. The Balloo Wetland, near Bangor, is a nature reserve with ponds, reedbeds, and wet woodland, providing accessible trails.
Best easy hiking trails around Balloo
- The most popular easy hiking route isβ¦
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.6
(8)
58
hikers
7.11km
01:49
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
65
hikers
5.46km
01:24
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A row of terraced houses just outside the town of Randalstown. An important military location, these houses could've been used as barracks or staff housing. The symmetry of these houses is very pleasing as you ride past.
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The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyshipβs Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Nice small town to walk around and some great history of Randalstown
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Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Balloo?
There are over 20 easy hiking trails around Balloo, offering diverse landscapes from rolling hills to scenic shoreline paths. In total, komoot features 33 hiking routes in the area, with the majority being easy to moderate.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Balloo?
Easy hikes around Balloo feature a mix of picturesque landscapes. You can expect to find trails through rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and scenic shoreline paths along Strangford Lough, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop, for example, offers gentle elevation changes along the Loughshore.
Are there any family-friendly or accessible walks in Balloo?
Yes, the Balloo Wetland near Bangor offers a 500-meter accessible trail, perfect for families and those seeking an easy, flat walk. It's a haven for wildlife, with ponds, reedbeds, and wet woodland, especially beautiful in summer when wildflowers bloom.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see on an easy hike?
Many easy hikes in the Balloo area offer views of interesting landmarks. You could explore the historic grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens, or see the Antrim Round Tower. The Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim is an easy path that explores these historic sites.
Are there any easy loop walks around Balloo?
Yes, many of the easy trails around Balloo are loop walks, perfect for returning to your starting point. Popular options include the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Antrim and the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim.
What do other hikers enjoy most about easy hikes in Balloo?
The easy hiking trails around Balloo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from coastal views to peaceful woodlands, and the accessibility of many routes.
Can I find easy hikes with water views in Balloo?
Absolutely. Balloo is situated near Strangford Lough, and many easy trails offer picturesque water views. The Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop is a prime example, providing lovely vistas along the water's edge.
What is the typical length and duration of easy hikes in the Balloo area?
Easy hikes in Balloo vary in length, but many are designed for shorter outings. For instance, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Antrim is about 5 km (3.1 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete.
Are there any easy trails that pass through forests or woodlands?
Yes, the inland areas around Balloo feature extensive woodlands, providing shaded and scenic routes. You can find trails that lead through areas like Randalstown Forest, offering a different natural experience compared to the coastal paths.
What is the best time of year for easy hiking in Balloo?
Balloo offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying wildflowers, especially at Balloo Wetland, and warmer weather for coastal walks. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the woodlands. Even in winter, many easy trails remain accessible for a refreshing walk.
Are there any easy trails that connect to other points of interest?
Yes, some easy trails are designed to link various attractions. For example, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Antrim connects the scenic Lough Neagh Shore with the historic Antrim Castle Gardens.
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