Castle Ward Farm Trail

Nearest town:

Strangford

Distance:

2.5 miles

OS map:

21

Start Point:

J575497

Finish Point:

J575497

Terrain:

Level paths & road crossing

Point of interest:

Strangford Lough, Seals, Castle Ward Farm Yard, Audley's Castle, Old Walled Garden, Standing Stone

Facilities:

Car park, toilets, tea room, gift shop, bike hire

Accessible toilet facilities:

Yes

Publication:

Castle Ward Trail Guide (s) and Map

Publication availability:

Available from Castle Ward - various information points

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.

Route:

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 that National Trust entrance pricing applies for this walk. Please see the link below for details *

Accessible terrain:

The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths and two short sections of narrow, twisting singletrack. There is one road crossing.

Accessible signage:

There are yellow circular waymarker discs fixed to vertical posts throughout the route. These are marked with the words 'Farm Trail' around the edge.

Getting to the start by public transport:

There is a bus stop on the road at the main entrance to Castle Ward (Route number 16E). From the main entrance to Castle Ward, follow the signs to the Shore Car Park where there is an information panel and map.

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.