5k Run Holywood: Scenic Loop Through Redburn Country Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the rugged charm of County Down on this 5.1km loop through Redburn Country Park. Classified as a "Short Local" (SL) fell-style run, this route is perfectly suited for runners looking to trade the pavement for technical woodland trails. With an ascent of 173m and a notable hill rating of 4, you should prepare for a challenging climb right from the Old Holywood Road start. The terrain is entirely unpaved, offering a mix of sheltered forest paths and open hillside tracks that demand good footwork, particularly after a typical Northern Irish rain shower when the ground can become delightfully muddy.

Beyond the physical challenge, Redburn Country Park is steeped in local natural heritage, having once been part of a grand estate. As you crest the higher sections of the park, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most iconic panoramic views in the region, stretching across Belfast Lough toward the Antrim Plateau and the heavy lift cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Locals know this spot as a sanctuary for wildlife; keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and sparrowhawks as you navigate the dense beech and pine woods. It’s a favorite training ground for Holywood-based runners who value the steep gradients for building leg strength and aerobic capacity away from the urban bustle.