J4772 : Scrabo Tower

Scrabo Hill

161m Elevation
92m Prominence
I Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

J4772 : Scrabo Tower

N Chadwick Photo source

Explore routes near Scrabo Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Scrabo Country Park Route

A well-marked trail starting from the main car park in Scrabo Country Park, following a gently sloping path leading to the summit.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy

Scrabo Hill Summit Trail

A more direct route with steps and a few steeper sections, suitable for those looking for a bit of a challenge.

1.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Subhump

Elevation

161m

528 ft

Prominence

92m

Coordinates

54.5801, -5.7164

J477726

OS Map

15

At the Summit

At the summit stands a prominent 19th-century sandstone tower, known as the Scrabo Tower, which provides a splendid viewpoint over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops

Scrabo Hill is primarily composed of sandstone and features a prominent outcrop known as Scrabo sandstone, which was formed during the Triassic period. This striking geology not only adds to the hill's aesthetic charm but also provides a glimpse into the area's geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Strangford Lough, the Mourne Mountains to the south, and the breathtaking Isle of Man on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Scrabo' derives from the Irish term 'Screabha', meaning 'place of the reeds'.

Historical Significance

Scrabo Hill has historical significance as a lookout point and was once used for military purposes during the Anglo-Irish conflicts.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at Scrabo Country Park (J480717), which is free of charge and has facilities including picnic areas.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Newtownards to Scrabo Country Park. Check local timetables for current routes.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities at Scrabo Country Park include toilets and a café that serves delicious treats. Ideal for a post-hike coffee and a slice of cake!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sheep! They have the right of way on these paths and may not move for you. Also, beware of loose rocks in certain areas, especially after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Scrabo Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Scrabo Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Scrabo Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Scrabo Hill search or of course create your own walk for Scrabo Hill

Can I organise a walk to Scrabo Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Scrabo Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Scrabo Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Scrabo Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: J477726

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Divis

478m

Slieve Donard

850m

Slieve Commedagh

767m

Slieve Bearnagh

739m

Slievelamagan

702m
See 5 more nearby hills