Coastal Path near Seapark, Holywood Photo: © Michael Fisher

Our walk on New Year’s Day at the start of the North Down Coastal Path began at Holywood and went past Seapark. The weather was reasonable for a brisk walk and the rain held off. Conditions along the path were very different today (Friday) because of the heavy rain and winds, which caused flooding at Holywood Esplanade.

Houses at Clanbrassil Terrace, Holywood Photo: © Michael Fisher

The path goes near a block of four large houses at Clanbrassil Terrace. These are listed buildings B2 according to the schedule and appear to be in good condition.

Stream flowing into the sea along the coastal path Photo: © Michael Fisher

It was a pleasant area for a walk and at some stage I hope to return to explore more of the shoreline along the way to Bangor. I noticed several birds including seagulls who took delight in searching among the rocks for mussels or other shellfish, picking them up in their beaks then taking off and dropping the shells from a height so that they would smash on the rocks or the concrete path, and then going back to try to recover their spoils.

Coastal Path near RNI Yacht Club Photo: © Michael Fisher