
Castle Ward Farm Trail
This trail leads along the shores of Strangford Lough and then winds through the woodlands surrounding Audleys Castle. The trail then leads through farmland before a narrow trail leads back to the car park.
This trail leads through fields where there may be livestock.
Follow the ORANGE waymarker disks with the words 'Farm Trail' around the edge.
County
Down
Distance
1.6 miles
OS Map
21
Nearest Town
Strangford
Route Shape
Circular
Route Type
Coastal, Parkland & Grassland, Woodland
Terrain
Level paths & road crossing
Grid Reference (Start)
J575497
Grid Reference (End)
J575497
Point of Interest
Strangford Lough, Seals, Castle Ward Farm Yard, Audley's Castle, Old Walled Garden, Standing Stone
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Strangford Lough
Route Description
Starting in the Shore Car Park, this circular trail leads along the shore of Strangford Lough and then around Audley's Castle through the surrounding woodland.
After crossing the Audleystown Road (look out for vehicles coming in both directions), the trail leads firstly through some woodland and then some open fields. After passing the back of the old walled garden with its high red brick wall, keep left and follow the trail through a short singletrack section through woodland.
The trail then leads along an old farm track, before turning left downhill and through an underpass. Turn left onto the final descent through the dense laurel.
Turn right to reach the Shore Car Park.
Expect other users on the trails - cyclists on the singletrack sections and horses and cyclists on the wider multi use sections.
This trail has an even surface throughout and is narrow in places, with some steeper gradients and numerous gates to open and close.
Please ensure all gates are closed after passing through. Many of these enclose livestock.
Users MUST follow the direction of travel as indicated by the waymarkers – this will enable you to see oncoming users, especially horses (where trails are multi use).
Please note there is a 100m diversion along this trail between March and November due to cattle in the field. Signage is in place.
* Please note that National Trust entrance pricing applies for this walk. Please see the link below for details *
Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Getting to the Start (by Car)
Parking for walkers is in the Shore Car Park within Castle Ward Demesne. The car park is clearly signed from the main entrance drive. There is an information panel and map in the Shore Car Park.
Getting to the Start (on Foot)
From the main entrance to Castle Ward, follow the signs to the Shore Car Park where there is an information panel and map.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Keep dogs on a lead or under control at all times
Accessibility Grade
Accessible Facilities
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Café (wheelchair accessible) |
![]() | Disabled parking |
![]() | Disabled toilets |
Facilities
Car park, toilets, tea room, gift shop, bike hire
Publication
Castle Ward Trail Guide (s) and Map
Publication Availability
Trail Guide and Map available from Castle Ward - various information points. Map also available to download on this page.
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