Northern Ireland

Castle Ward Hoof Trail

A horse rider at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in spring — Follow the Hoof Trail at Castle Ward, County Down | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile route through woodland, farmland and along the shore of Strangford Lough. There are plenty of sights to enjoy along the way including Audley's Castle, which dates back to the 15th century and Old Castle Ward, which is part of a historic farmyard. The trail is designed specifically for use by horse riders and must be used in a clockwise direction only. Hoof Trail users must have either a daily or annual Hoof Permit.

Near to

Castle Ward

Start point

Horse car park, OSNI grid reference: NW672027

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Challenging

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)

Duration2 hours 30 mins

Not suitable for dogs

*Even surface with some steep gradients and numerous gates. For further details, please see Terrain section. All those wishing to bring horses onto the estate must hold either a daily or annual Hoof Permit. Daily: £6 Annual: £45 Please note that all riders must be courteous to all those using the trail, which may include vehicles, cyclists, livestock and dogs. To download our hoof permit, use the following link: https://bit.ly/hoofpermit

Livestock on route

Be aware that as this trail crosses farmland you may encounter livestock.

Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Horse car park, OSNI grid reference: NW672027
Stage 1
Leave the car park and head through farmland on a short two-way section before turning right onto Colonel's Walk. This wide track meanders through woodland for several miles before a single track section that leads through mature trees and the farmland of Tullyratty.
Stage 2
Descending to Downpatrick Avenue, there are several places with steep drop-offs to the side. After the short road section, horses must follow way-markers keeping left on entering Mallard Plantation and continuing through woodland. At the top of the woodland, pass through the gate and merge into a multi-use trail with cyclists and walkers approaching.
Stage 3
The trail then follows the line of the boundary wall through the West Park, with stunning views across Strangford Lough and Castle Ward Demesne.
Stage 4
At the end of this long section, turn left behind the walled garden before entering into woodland. This is a slow zone area.
Stage 5
On reaching the Audleystown Road take care crossing the road before heading towards Audley's Castle, through Audley's Wood and then along the shore of Strangford Lough.
Audley's Castle
The castle probably dates from around the 15th century, but the early history is unknown. It's 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. By 1738 it became an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water.
Stage 6
On reaching the farmyard gates turn left along the shore and follow the grassy track between the boundary wall and the lough.
Stage 7
The trail then leads back into the estate through the arched gateway at Coal Quay. Turn left and follow inside the boundary wall until reaching Strangford Avenue, close to the caravan park.
Stage 8
Follow the uphill path known as The Screen to reach Ballyculter Gate Lodge, and then follow the historic Colonel's Walk leading along the boundary wall once more.
Stage 9
A short two-way section through farmland leads back to the horse car park.
End point
Horse car park
Trail map
Castle Ward horse riding trail map, County Down | © Crown Copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 100153
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Place

Castle Ward

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

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.

Trail

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.

View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Trail

Castle Trail at Castle Ward

An excellent trail for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery of Strangford Lough, Audley's Castle and the farmyard at Castle Ward.

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

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A grassy path, with two people on it, leads between trees towards water on the Castle Ward loughside trail at Castle Ward, Northern Ireland

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