4.0
(7)
2,280
runners
136
runs
Jogging routes around Ballyharry traverse a landscape characterized by rolling countryside and woodland trails, offering diverse terrain for runners. The area features historical landmarks such as Helen's Tower, accessible via various paths, and includes views over the surrounding region. Trails often pass by natural features like Tower Lake, providing a scenic backdrop for running. This blend of natural beauty and historical interest makes Ballyharry a compelling destination for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
42
runners
23.5km
02:44
280m
280m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
30
runners
9.99km
01:03
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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22
runners
16.8km
01:58
330m
330m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
16
runners
11.9km
01:21
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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Crawfordsburn Country Park has two excellent beaches, views across Belfast Lough, scenic walks and a stunning waterfall. The large visitor centre and café is open seven days a week with a natural play area, geology garden and miles of designated walking routes. The Woodland’s Café at Crawfordsburn Country Park is open every day from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
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Here a rocky outcrop provides some excellent views east toward Crawfordsburn Country Park and west toward Helen's Bay Beach, and, on a clear day, all the way to Belfast.
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Here a rocky outcrop provides some excellent views east toward Crawfordsburn Country Park and west toward Helen's Bay Beach, and, on a clear day, all the way to Belfast.
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19th-century folly and lookout tower near Bangor. Named after the 5th Baron's mother, Helen. He intended it as a shrine for poems - Tennyson's Helen's Tower is the best known of them. Well worth a stop off to explore the architecture.
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This unique country park is made up of beautiful woodland landscapes that merge into golden beaches and the crashing waves of the Belfast Lough. The park is home to diverse wildlife such as seals, guillemots and shags. You can explore the woodlands, meadows, glens, beaches and waterfalls on the network of footpaths. There's also a cafe for a midway pitstop.
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A lovely walk especially from Helens Bay - through rolling country side, however there is no signage but reasonable easy to follow - that is until to come to Helen's Tower - if you find it give yourself a Mars bar and if you manage to find your way to your cat at Whitespots car park - give yourself two Mars bars. Enjoy :-)
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There are over 140 running routes around Ballyharry, offering a wide variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences.
The running trails around Ballyharry feature diverse terrain, including woodland paths, rolling countryside, and routes that offer pleasant views of the surrounding landscape. Some paths also pass by serene water features like Tower Lake.
Yes, Ballyharry offers a selection of easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. There are 15 routes specifically categorized as easy, providing gentle paths through the scenic landscape.
While specific 'family-friendly' routes aren't explicitly tagged, the 15 easy routes available are generally suitable for families looking for a less strenuous outdoor activity. These paths often traverse gentle terrain, making them accessible for various ages.
Many outdoor trails in Northern Ireland, including those around Ballyharry, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
For scenic views, consider routes that lead to higher ground or pass by notable landmarks. The area around Helen's Tower, for instance, offers rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. A challenging option is the Helen's Tower – Rocky Outcrop Viewpoint loop from Somme Heritage Centre, which provides expansive vistas.
Yes, many of the running routes in Ballyharry are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Running loop from Ballyalicock and the WW2 Rifle Firing Butts – Column of BCDR Railway Bridge loop from Newtownards.
Ballyharry's routes often combine natural beauty with historical interest. You can encounter landmarks like Helen's Tower, a 19th-century folly, or explore sites like Movilla Abbey on certain loop trails. The WW2 Rifle Firing Butts – Column of BCDR Railway Bridge loop from Newtownards also passes by historical points of interest.
The running routes in Ballyharry are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Runners often praise the blend of woodland trails, rolling countryside, and the historical landmarks that provide an engaging backdrop for their runs.
The running trails near Ballyharry vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, moderate paths like the Running loop from Ballyalicock, which is about 6.2 miles (10 km) and takes around an hour. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Helen's Tower – Rocky Outcrop Viewpoint loop from Somme Heritage Centre, can be up to 14.6 miles (23.5 km) and take nearly three hours.
Yes, some running routes around Ballyharry offer serene water features. For example, the trails leading to Helen's Tower often pass by Tower Lake, adding a picturesque element to your run.
Ballyharry offers enjoyable jogging experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter runs can be invigorating, though some paths might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.


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