Comber Greenway (Route 99)

One of the best-loved and most used urban greenways in Northern Ireland, the Comber Greenway starts in the heart of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast and meanders seven miles out to Comber in the County Down countryside.

The Belfast to Comber route begins at the Big Fish sculpture beside Belfast Lough at Queen Elizabeth Bridge. It runs through quiet residential streets in east Belfast to reach CS Lewis Square, a fairly recent civic plaza named after the Chronicles of Narnia writer who was born and raised in the area.

Take the toucan crossings across the Holywood Road into Ravenscroft Ave car park behind the Glider halt. From here, the route becomes a traffic-free greenway all the way to Comber town, following the line of a former railway.

Comber is a rural commuter town with fertile countryside, famous for its potatoes, and was home to the Andrews family who were involved in designing the ‘unsinkable’ ship Titanic. It has several cafes worth a visit and more experienced cyclists can travel by road on to the scenic Strangford Lough.

The greenway has recently been widened to four metres, has a smooth surface and is relatively flat, making it an easy walk, wheel or cycle for people of all abilities.

 

Temporary route closure 

From 22 January 2024, the Comber Greenway will be closed between Billy Neill MBE Country Park and Old Belfast Road for 14 weeks.

This section of the route will be closed while the Department for Infrastructure widens the path. 

Given the lack of a safe diversionary route, Sustrans has suggested alternatives to a full closure.

We suggested allowing a passage on one side of the Greenway while work is carried out on the other.

We have requested that the narrow footpath along Comber Road is swept and cleared of overhanging vegetation to allow safe passage for people walking.

 

Points of interest

  • Visit Titanic Belfast and learn about the history of RMS Titanic.
  • See the bronze Narnia statues in CS Lewis Square.
  • Visit the Stormont Parliament Buildings, the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

 

Useful information

Cycle repair stations:

  • CS Lewis Square
  • Billy Neill Playing Fields, near Comber

Public transport links: 

  • Titanic Quarter train station
  • Holywood Arches Glider halt (for access to the city centre and west Belfast)

Pedal Perks: 

East Belfast is the home of the Pedal Perks discount scheme, so you'll find a range of cafes and shops along the route offering discounts to cyclists.

Pedal Perks cafes and retailers near the route include JACK Coffee Bar at CS Lewis Square, Binkys at Dundonald and Indie Fude in Comber, who are offering a 10% discount on cheese.

 

Nearby routes

  • Route 99 meets the Connswater Community Greenway at CS Lewis Square. This is a 9km traffic-free path in east Belfast.
  • The route also runs close to Route 9, the Lagan Towpath which will take you on a riverside route to Lisburn. You can join Route 9 by travelling on to Donegall Quay from the Big Fish sculpture.
  • Also at the Big Fish you can head north and connect to Route 93 which runs out of the city to the Loughshore at Jordanstown.

 

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Please note

We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.

Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

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