The best running trails around Scrabo

There are over 120 running routes available around Scrabo, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These include 19 easy routes, 90 moderate routes, and 14 more difficult trails.

The jogging trails in Scrabo offer a diverse and engaging terrain. You can expect undulating paths, gentle slopes, and steeper ascents, particularly when heading towards Scrabo Hill. Paths vary in width and can be uneven in places, with exposed roots, steps, and potentially slippery surfaces after rain, providing a varied workout.

Yes, Scrabo offers several routes suitable for beginners or those seeking an easy jog. For instance, the paths through Killynether Wood provide quiet countryside enjoyment and are generally classified as easy, offering a peaceful environment for a run. There are 19 easy routes in total.

While running in Scrabo, you can encounter several notable features. The iconic 19th-century Scrabo Tower stands majestically at the summit of Scrabo Hill. You'll also run through the beautiful Killynether Wood, known for its beech and hazel woodlands, and pass by disused sandstone quarries with geological significance. For historical sites nearby, consider exploring Nendrum Monastery Ruins or Helen's Tower.

Absolutely. Many routes, especially those ascending Scrabo Hill, offer breathtaking panoramic views. From the summit, you can see across Strangford Lough and its islands, the towns of Newtownards and Comber, the Mourne Mountains, and even the Scottish coast on clear days. The climb to the base of Scrabo Tower is particularly rewarding for these vistas.

Scrabo Country Park is generally welcoming to dogs, making many of its jogging routes dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with wildlife or near other visitors. Please ensure you follow local signage regarding dog policies.

Yes, parking is available at Scrabo Country Park, which serves as a convenient starting point for many of the running trails, including those leading up to Scrabo Tower and through Killynether Wood. For more details, you can check the official visitor information.

Yes, many of the running routes in Scrabo are designed as loops, offering circular experiences. For example, the WW2 Rifle Firing Butts loop from Newtownards is a popular 4.3-mile (6.9 km) circular trail, and the Column of BCDR Railway Bridge loop from Newtownards is another moderate 3.5-mile (5.6 km) option.

The running routes around Scrabo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscape, the stunning panoramic views from Scrabo Hill, and the variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels. The historical landmarks and tranquil woodlands are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects.

For those looking to extend their run, the Comber Greenway is an excellent option. This 7-mile (11 km) traffic-free path, running along a disused railway line from Belfast to Comber, can be accessed from nearby Comber and offers scenic views, including Scrabo Tower in the distance. It provides a relatively flat surface for longer, uninterrupted runs.

Yes, Killynether Wood, located within Scrabo Country Park, features fine beech and hazel woodlands with numerous paths. These trails offer a serene environment for running, and in springtime, the woodland floor is beautifully carpeted with vibrant bluebells and wood anemones, enhancing the natural beauty of your jog.

For a more strenuous jog or hill training, the climb to the summit of Scrabo Hill provides a good challenge, with some quite steep sections. While the tarmac access route to the tower is suitable, the ground becomes more uneven and grassy at the summit. There are 14 difficult routes available for those seeking a greater challenge.