Ards Forest Park

Suits: Younger walkers, ages 4-9.

Hike: If you have little ones, the Sand Dune Trail here is ideal for a leisurely stroll while also taking in fabulous scenery. I’ve been coming here with my children since they were in the buggy, and the boardwalk is perfect for little legs not ready to graduate on to trickier hiking trails. On forest track and path as well as boardwalk, this trail follows the coastline and passes through a small wood of conifer and broadleaf trees onto a sand dune complex with views over Clonmass Bay and the Back Strand. The trees and sands have been sculpted by the salt-laden winds whipping down Sheephaven Bay. There’s a fantastic picnic area and playpark beside the main carpark.

Start and Finish at: Ards Forest Park car park.

Level: Easy, buggy and wheelchair-accessible.

Length / Time: 1 km; 1.5 hours.

Pack: A picnic and your camera for lots of beautiful pictures of hidden coves.