Cairngaver by Train & The Ulster Way

A suitable hill for foul weather?, well given last Saturdays weather the appeal of the higher hills was diminished some what. So, after a short train journey form Belfast to Helen's Bay station, you can pick up the Ulster Way, which runs under the station, by going through the station subway and emerging out into the woods and onto the path. Follow this south on the old Clandeboye Avenue track, crossing the A2, with extreme care!, and picking up the Ulster Way again on the far side (this is not clear till you cross the A2, the entrance is just to the left of the gate & house). Keep following the Ulster Way, which takes a right turn off the Clandeboye Avenue Track, and brings you onto the B170 beside an old school house (cottage). Cross the B170 & follow the Ulster Way to just before it takes a left turn (464778 A), on your right will be a small path, marked with mountain bike tracks, which leads up onto a minor road. follow this south for around 700 metres to 464769 B. There are 3 tracks here which all converge at a farm (see below), this cement track goes all the way to the summit cairn and Telecommunications mast, which the track serves. The summit cairn looks to have been dug out and there is also a trig point, the views must be quite good, when it is clear that is! Return is by the way of ascent, though you could follow the Ulster Way through the Clandeboye estate to Helen's Tower and onto Newtownards for the bus back to Belfast. Once back at Helen's Bay, as it should still be early in the day, you can follow the North Down Coastal Path to Holywood, which makes a fine 16-17 mile day. Of course, the fact that the Dirty Duck pub and restaurant is near the Holywood train station, serving as it does 3-4 different cask conditioned ales and fine food, should speed you along the last section of the Coast Path and provides a fitting end to the day.

Note:- The access track to the summit of Cairngaver runs past a farm and through its yard (though it is on far right of the yard), i had no trouble walking through here and on my way down there was people working in one of the sheds, with one giving me a wave. I think the track has probable being surfaced for servicing the mast, so there shouldn't be a problem. For those who might prefer a different approach, there is a forest - Carn Wood - with a parking area on the B170, where tracks are shown on the map going towards the summit, or even the lane marked on the west side of the hill, which is shown going all the way to the summit. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1029/comment/3359/