The best running trails in Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey offers a wide selection of running routes, with nearly 100 different trails available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging runs, catering to all fitness levels.

Yes, Newtownabbey has several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. The Hazelbank Park via Loughshore Path is an accessible 2.8-mile (4.4 km) trail along the scenic Loughshore, ideal for a gentle run. Hazelbank Park itself is also very accessible, even for those with pushchairs.

Many routes in Newtownabbey offer picturesque views. The Newtownabbey Way provides scenic views of Belfast Lough and passes through natural areas. For panoramic vistas of Belfast, the Lagan Valley, and even the Mourne Mountains on clear days, consider routes around Carnmoney Hill or Cave Hill, such as the challenging View of Belfast Lough – Cave Hill Cave loop from Church of the Holy Evangelists.

For longer runs, Newtownabbey offers several options. The Loughshore Path loop from Whiteabbey is a challenging 16.5-mile (26.5 km) route, while the Kit Sculpture by Tony Stallard – Titanic Trail loop from Jordanstown covers about 15.9 miles (25.5 km).

Newtownabbey's jogging routes feature a diverse array of landscapes. You'll find accessible paved paths, urban greenways like the Newtownabbey Way, and more challenging trails with elevation gains, particularly around areas like Carnmoney Hill and Cave Hill. Many routes also incorporate scenic loughshore paths and wooded glens along rivers like the Three Mile Water.

Yes, many of Newtownabbey's running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Loughshore Path loop from BT Payphone, which is 4.7 miles (7.6 km), and the Loughshore Path loop from Jordanstown, a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) option.

The running routes in Newtownabbey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from accessible loughshore paths to challenging hill climbs, and the scenic beauty of areas like Belfast Lough and the verdant corridors along the rivers.

For experienced runners seeking a challenge, Newtownabbey offers routes with significant elevation changes and longer distances. The Cave Hill Caves – Belfast Castle loop from Belfast Castle is a difficult 5.5-mile (8.8 km) route with substantial climbs, offering rewarding views.

Absolutely. Newtownabbey is home to several natural areas perfect for woodland runs. Monkstown Wood, a Local Nature Reserve, offers tranquil access pathways along the Three Mile Water river. The Valley Park also provides 200 acres of parklands and woodlands, ideal for a run amidst nature.

Many routes in Newtownabbey feature water bodies. The Newtownabbey Way follows the Three Mile Water river, and numerous routes incorporate the Loughshore Path, offering beautiful views of Belfast Lough. Additionally, areas like The Valley Park feature lakes, and the region is crisscrossed by rivers like the Six Mile Water and Glas-na-Bradan, creating scenic corridors.

While jogging in Newtownabbey, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Newtownabbey Way passes by Mossley Mill and features the historic Bleach Green Railway Viaduct. Routes around Cave Hill offer views of Belfast Castle and the Cave Hill Caves. Monkstown Wood also features unique wooden sculptures along its paths.

While specific winter conditions vary, many of the paved and well-maintained greenways and loughshore paths, such as the Hazelbank Park via Loughshore Path or sections of the Newtownabbey Way, are generally more accessible during winter months compared to unpaved trails. Always check local conditions and wear appropriate gear.