A good place to launch into Strangford Lough is at Cunningburn, at the north of the lough (map ref. 539704). There is a car park with a picnic site and toilet. It has two slip ways that can be used at high water. It is still possible to launch at low water from the stony beach. This is a popular site for wind surfers and sailors from the nearby sailing club.

A pleasant paddle can be had by heading south towards a group of islands lying off the Mount Stewart shore with Chapel Island the largest. The area is frequented by seals and will happily swim around you as you make your way through the islands. You can land on the islands (except during nesting season), a small church can be found on Chapel Island. It is not recommended to attempt to go to close to the Mount Stewart shore when the tide is out as sharp rocks make navigation hard. Landing is possible at high water and the aria can be explored, you can fined the ruins of the old Mount Stewart estate gas works. Paddling north to return to the car park can be pleasant with the view of Scrabo Tower built in memory of the Earl of Londonderry that stands on a hilltop prominently over looking the town of Newtownards. This is especially nice in the evening as the sun is setting.