Ballyhornan - Ardglass

Hike: Ballyhornan Coastal Path, Co Down. This scenic walk explores the wild coastline south of Ballyhornan village. On its way it crosses sandy beaches, rocky foreshore and grassy banks, with 2.5km of tarmac at the end of the route. The entire walk is part of the long-distance Lecale Way, so it’s fully signed throughout. Despite the linear format, two vehicles aren’t necessary if you use Ulsterbus service 16A to get back to the start. From the wide sands of Ballyhornan Beach, head south past Gun’s Island. Pass a ruined coastguard station and several small coves before climbing to the top of grassy cliffs. The coastal section ends at St Patrick’s Well, where you turn inland and follow minor roads to Ardglass village.

Start at: Ballyhornan Beach car park.

Finish at: Ardglass.

Get there: Ballyhornan and Ardglass both lie along the A2 Clough-Strangford road.

Level: Easy to moderate — signed coastal paths and country roads.

Length / Time: 7km / 2-2½ hours.

Pack: Sun cream for the optimists and decent footwear for negotiating the sometimes rugged terrain.

Refuel at: Watersedge Coffee Shop (@waters-edgeglenarm), in Ardglass. Pick up a tasty lunch and home-baked treats to takeaway.