Discover more about the history and nature of Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay thanks to a new publication launched by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Walking and Cultural Trail take the user through the two picturesque villages on a journey that covers natural landscapes, architectural structures, Christian Heritage and war time history.

Starting at the recently upgraded Crawfordsburn Glen and Old Mill Dam you are led past the Old Inn, where visitors have included highwayman Dick Turpin, Russian Czar Peter the Great and C.S. Lewis, and on into Crawfordsburn Country Park. Travelling through the Park and on to Helen’s Bay you will visit sites including the unique Grey Point Fort, a hidden gem that includes a military museum, radio room and two magnificent 23 feet artillery guns. You return to Crawfordsburn Country Park via the stunning North Down Coastal Path to discover the geological developments of the area in the geology garden and find out all about the Park’s wildlife in the popular visitors centre.

Discussing the trail, Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area we can all now get some fresh air and exercise whilst learning something new about these two villages. The area not only has some of the most stunning natural scenery but also boasts a unique and fascinating history from visiting highway men to the Second World War”.

Copies of the trail can be picked up at local information points including Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Grey Point Fort, or downloaded from visitardsandnorthdown.com.