Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Kiltonga is great for people like me… the type who are allergic to exercise (it’s really terrible, I come out in dreadful sweats and start to ache all over… not pleasant), because it’s just a short little walk round a duck pond. Yippee!
When I worked in Ards, I would pass Kiltonga every morning at around 8:30, and the place would be crazy busy already. Mainly people walking dogs, joggers, and other mad, er, I mean, extremely enthusiastic people getting out and about. In fact, every time you pass by, Kiltonga is hiving.
The main attraction is really the duck pond, and when I was younger, we used to always pop down and donate the poor, underfed birdies our stale loaf of bread. I bet they loved us.
Kiltonga is a lovely place to get away from it all, and with Scrabo Tower in the background, it is a really pretty little place for a dander. And I mean dander.
Definition: A gentle meandering walk with no particular haste or purpose. Thank you Wikipedia. (Note the ‘no haste’ part… nice and gentle. Ahhh).

Kiltonga duck pond is a great little local secret. Just under one kilometre around the pond, this is a gorgeous walk way and a nice place to take some exercise. I often go here if I want to chill out, take in some air and get away from things. The distance is very manageable and there is no incline at all. There are often young children, cyclists, joggers and less able-​bodied people using this walk. The entire walk surrounds a large man made pound absolutely full of different breeds of ducks and birds including swans and moorhens. There are several ledges to feed the birds and places where you can get right down close to the ducks and geese. Be warned the geese are absolutely mental and will spit and hiss at everyone. The walk way is modern and safe for all, with seated areas for those who need a little break or fancy a picnic. Don’t let your dog of its lead and hold on tight to small children, as the geese seem vicious.