Quality Walk

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

Grade 5

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.

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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