Festival Columban Way Walk


Presented by: COLUMBANUS COMMUNITY FOLK FESTIVAL 2022

Friday 17th June, 2022

Explore the rich monastic heritage in Ards and North Down with experienced walking and tourism guides. The 6-mile walk, organised by Friends of Columbanus Bangor, will take you from Comber to Scrabo Tower and on to Newtownards, either finishing in Conway Square or Movilla Abbey depending upon your fitness on the day! Cost £6 per person (+60p booking fee), which includes a bus shuttle to take walkers back to Comber and a bottle of water and bun at the Scrabo Country Park stop.

The walk is 6 miles long with 460 ft of ascent. Most of the walking is along roads and pavements, but there is a section on well-made trails through Scrabo Country Park. There is one short section of steep uphill to Scrabo Tower and some steps to descend down to the quarries.

Walkers should meet in Comber Square at 9.15am. Safe, free parking is available in the main car park in Comber. The plan is to visit St Mary’s Parish Church to see the Comber Abbey Stones before walking to Scrabo Tower and onwards to Conway Square, Newtownards, to arrive at approximately 1pm. Along the way, you will learn about Columbanus and the contribution that he made to Christianity both at home and across Europe. A bus shuttle will be available to take walkers back to Comber or you can continue your journey to Movilla Abbey to learn about Finnian, another important monk who left a lasting legacy in Newtownards. The bus will then take you back to Comber.

Drawing of an Early Christian Grave Slab found in the ruins of Movilla Abbey

Equipment


Walkers will need comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof coat and extra warm clothing for stops. If the weather is fine, we will stop for a short break at the picnic area below Scrabo Tower. Walkers should bring their own hot drinks/snacks if desired.

Route

For a full description of the exact route to be used – please see:

Book a Place

To book a place please go to:

  • WeGotTickets | COLUMBAN WAY WALK

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