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Northern Ireland

Castle Ward Boundary Trail

View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Audley's Castle and Strangford Bay at Castle Ward | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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.

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: NW677031

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.

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 map
Castle Ward boundary trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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More near here

The classical front of Castle Ward house, Northern Ireland, with drifts of daffodils in front of it
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Castle Ward 

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

Downpatrick, County Down

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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.

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Walking, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Strangford Lough at Castle Ward, County Down
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Loughside walk at Castle Ward 

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

Activities
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DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Get in touch

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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