4.7
(110)
2,251
hikers
109
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Whitespots are primarily characterized by the Whitespots Line greenway, a 3.4 miles (5.4 km) active travel route built on a former railway trackbed. This greenway offers wide, accessible paths with gentle gradients, making it suitable for various users. The area features natural environments, green spaces, and serves as a wildlife corridor, connecting to local attractions like Whitespots Country Park and Ark Open Farm.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
5.0
(1)
37
hikers
4.04km
01:06
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
6.94km
01:55
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
6.63km
01:48
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
6.12km
01:37
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Movilla was associated with Saint Finian in the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was plundered by Vikings in the 9th century, but was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century and survived until the suppression of religious houses in the 1540s. It has the best collection of 13th Century coffin lids with foliate crosses in the Province. These are built into the inside north wall. Only one stone from the Pre-Norman period survives; it is marked with “Or do Dertrend”, “pray for Dertrend”. Later structures include the ruins of a 13th century church which was rebuilt in the 15th-century. A really fascinating stop.
0
0
The grounds are huge and abound with history. You can only be struck by the character of the place. Especially considering the modern sprawl approaching the Abbeys walls.
0
0
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.
0
0
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 :-)
1
0
Helen's Tower is a 19th-century folly and lookout tower near Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. It was built by the 5th Baron of Dufferin and Claneboye and named for his mother, Helen. He intended it as a shrine for poems, first of all a poem by his mother and then other poems that he solicited from famous poets over the years. Tennyson's Helen's Tower is the best known of them. The tower is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Helen's Tower inspired the design of the Ulster Tower, a war memorial at Thiepval, France. (Howley 1993) (Nicolson 1937). [from Wikipedia]
2
0
Whitespots offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 70 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are nearly 120 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes in Whitespots primarily utilize the Whitespots Line greenway, which is built on a former railway trackbed. This means you can expect wide, well-maintained paths with gentle gradients, making them accessible for various users. The routes often pass through natural environments and green spaces.
Yes, the gentle gradients and wide paths of the Whitespots Line greenway make many routes ideal for families. For example, the Helen's Tower – Helen's Tower loop from Ballyskeagh Low is a 4 km trail that's perfect for a relaxed family outing.
The Whitespots Line greenway and many of the surrounding trails are generally dog-friendly, offering open spaces for walks. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially near wildlife or other users, and check for any specific local signage regarding dog access.
The Whitespots Line greenway provides increased leisure access to local attractions. You can explore Helen's Tower, a notable historical site, or visit the Ark Open Farm which the greenway passes by. Other nearby points of interest include Grey Point Fort and Ballycopeland Windmill.
Yes, many easy routes in Whitespots are circular. An excellent option is the Helen's Tower – Lead Mine Tower loop from Newtownards, which is an easy 7 km path featuring varied terrain and natural landscapes.
The easy trails in Whitespots are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility, the scenic greenway, and the connection to local parks and attractions.
The Whitespots Line greenway connects Newtownards and Bangor, and as a newly developed active travel route, it is designed with user access in mind. Parking facilities are typically available at key access points or nearby towns. For specific route parking, check the individual tour details on komoot.
The duration of easy hikes varies depending on the route length and your pace. For instance, the Dirt Jumps – Helen's Tower loop from Tower Lake is a 7.1 km trail that typically takes around 1 hour 54 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace.
The Whitespots Line greenway is designed for year-round use. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the well-maintained paths are generally accessible, though appropriate clothing is always recommended.
Many easy routes, particularly those that incorporate the greenway and pass through natural parkland, offer pleasant views of the surrounding landscape. The Lead Mine Tower – Helen's Tower loop from Clandeboye Reservoir, for example, provides scenic vistas as it winds through the area.
The Whitespots Line greenway connects the towns of Newtownards and Bangor, which are served by public transport. This makes it possible to access various points along the greenway and start your hike without a car. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient access points.
Given the greenway's connection between Newtownards and Bangor, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and other amenities in these towns. The routes are generally close enough to urban areas to allow for refreshments before or after your hike.
Among the easy trails, the Dirt Jumps – Helen's Tower loop from Tower Lake is one of the longer options, covering approximately 7.1 km. This route offers a good distance for an extended easy walk.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.