Secret Shore Natural Nature Trail

Children searching for bugs and beasts at Castle Ward, Co. Down

Enjoy the winding woodland paths along the shore of Strangford Lough, while the kids clamber over and under fallen trees to discover which animals call our woods their home. See Castle Ward from a different view and end your epic outing with a family photo on our selfie seat.

Set off from the Lough Shore car park and follow the trail to discover homes for animals, insects and birds, as well as a host of fungi in the autumn months. 

Find plenty to explore on the Secret Shore Trail
Part of the Secret Shore Trail at Castle Ward, Co. Down
Find plenty to explore on the Secret Shore Trail

There's plenty of obstacles on route to clamber over and under (grown ups and little ones can keep to the path if they don't fancy the climb) and there's even a few places to stop and enjoy the views out over the lough - note the Rangers favourite seat!

Tick off some of your 50 Things along the way - you might find a scary beast to hold (30), get tracking some wild animals (34), make a home for one (36) or yourself (3), finish off with some bird watching (44) and find plenty of natural items to create some wild art (18).

Finish off the trail in the bird hide. Over the colder months, you'll spot our overwintering birds and Brent geese. Winter is an excellent time to watch wading birds such as oystercatcher, dunlin, curlew and knot in Castle Ward Bay.

Views over Strangford Lough from the bird hide
The Bird Hide at Castle Ward
Views over Strangford Lough from the bird hide