Castle Ward Boundary Trail

Northern Ireland

This challenging walking trail around the boundary of Castle Ward starts at the shore and takes you through woodland and farmland. Along the way, you'll pass Audley's Castle, cross the Deer Park and take in views of the mansion.

Near to

Castle Ward

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: NW677031

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 8 (km: 12.8)

Duration3 hours

Dog friendly***

*Even surface throughout with some steeper gradients. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Narrow in places with numerous gateways. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead around livestock.

Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: NW677031
Stage 1
Follow the line of the shore trail. This trail is multi-use so expect horses, bikes and a range of other users.
Stage 2
Continue following the trail around Audley's Castle.
Audley's Castle
The castle probably dates from around the 15th century, but the early history is unknown. The castle is named after its late 16th-century owners, the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th century, although it is not known if they built the castle. It was sold, with the surrounding estate, to the Ward family in 1646 and used in 1738 as an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water.
Stage 3
Cross the Audleystown Road onto the farm trail. Follow the trail through mature woodland to West Park behind the old walled garden.
Stage 4
Turn right towards the boundary wall before contouring through the farmland to reach Mallard Plantation, a mature coniferous woodland.
Stage 5
Follow the trail as it branches left. Please note that here, the trail becomes a narrow single track for cyclists and walkers only. Follow the trail to Base Camp, then cross a bridge and continue through the landscape.
Stage 6
Cross the road at the main entrance to the property and continue through the historic grounds of Windmill Plantation. Cross Church Walk with a view of Castle Ward house to the left.
Stage 7
Continue across Deer Park to Strangford Avenue and the shore car park.
End point
Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: NW677031
Trail map
Castle Ward boundary trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Castle Ward

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Castle Ward Shore Trail

Follow this short accessible trail at Castle Ward, County Down and take in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle.

An adult and two children are walking a dog at at Strangford Lough, County Down. They're standing on a raised wall above the lough and there are rolling yellow crop fields in the background.

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Explore the waterside, with a ruined castle, woodland, an ornamental lake, follies and wildlife to spot along the way, on this easy circular walk.

Strangford Lough at Castle Ward, County Down

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

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