Scrabo Hill

Scrabo Hill rises above Newtownards in County Down, Northern Ireland. A tall tower crowns the summit and can be spotted from miles around, while a country park at its foot offers short, rewarding walking routes. It is one of the most accessible viewpoints within reach of Belfast.

What is there to see on Scrabo Hill?

The landmark is Scrabo Tower, a turreted Victorian monument finished in 1857. It commemorates Charles Stewart, the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, who died in 1854 and had served under Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars. Architect Charles Lanyon drew up the plans. His entry was not the competition's top-ranked one, but it was the one that fitted the budget. Sources quote the tower's height at roughly 38 metres, though figures vary.

The slopes hold old sandstone quarries. Stone from here went into well-known buildings, among them Belfast's Albert Memorial Clock. The quarries are disused and now largely hidden by trees, and their geology earned them protection as an Area of Special Scientific Interest. The summit is also said to have hosted a prehistoric hill fort.

What are the views like?

From the top you look out over Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, and on a clear day the Scottish coast comes into sight. Choose a day with good visibility, ideally in the morning or late afternoon.

How do you get there, and how long does it take?

The hill sits right beside Newtownards, a short drive from Belfast. The standard loop starts at the country park car park. It covers about 1.4 miles (2.2 km) and is rated moderate, with a climb that is short but steep. Allow one to two hours including time at the summit.

Can you go inside the tower?

Access to the interior is limited. After severe water damage in 2014, the tower opens only on certain days, usually Thursday to Sunday in summer. Inside, an exhibition by Ards Historical Society tells the story of the hill and the monument. Check current dates with Visit Ards and North Down before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a ticket for the hill? Walking in the country park and up to the summit does not require one. Check the entry rules for the tower itself before you travel.

How long is the walk to the top? The loop from the car park is around 2 km. Plan on one to two hours at a relaxed pace with time for the views.

What can you see from Scrabo Hill? Strangford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and, in clear weather, the Scottish coast.

Is the route easy? It is moderate. The ascent is short but steep, so wear sturdy footwear.

Why was the tower built? As a memorial to the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, completed in 1857.