There is a commanding view from Scrabo Hill beside the market town of Newtownards, at the northern tip of Strangford Lough. First, find Scrabo Tower. It was built as a monument to Lord Londonderry. It is now in the care of Environment and Heritage Service and is open to the public.

Just behind the tower and to the right you can glimpse the Irish Sea. Between the open sea and the Lough, the Ards peninsula stretches a crooked arm southwards for 30 km.

When you have turned 180° ie with the tower at your back, you will see Strangford Lough.
The waters here are shallow, calm and wide, unlike the narrow, deep entrance channel to the south.

At low tide you can see the vast stretches of intertidal sandflats that are so important to the well-being of the Lough's marine life. They are home to many shellfish and worms and also eel grass that provide a nourishing diet for Lough's internationally important bird population - best seen in winter.

Islandhill is popular particularly for small children who paddle in the shallow water when the tide is in.

Further to the right, just out of view, is the town of Comber and the Comber River, one of two main freshwater inputs to the Lough.

The flat plains here are claimed agricultural land and are very fertile. The area is famous for Comber potatoes.

A tidal flood defence protects the town of Newtownards from flooding.