Loughside walk at Castle Ward
Overlooking the south shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Ward is one of Northern Ireland’s finest country estates. At its heart lies an unusual Georgian mansion, but there's much more to explore. This walk takes you through woodland, past an ornamental lake and historic follies, along the water’s edge, and to the ruins of an old castle. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including resident seals and a variety of birds along the shore.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Old Castle Ward farmyard, Castle Ward, Ballyculter Avenue, County Down, BT30 7LS. Grid ref: J573498.
Stage 1
Start at the old farmyard. Note the Tower House, a fortified home built in 1610. It was the Castle Ward estate's main residence before the mansion was built. Follow the blue trail down towards the water and boathouse through a large stone gateway.
Stage 2
The path leads along the waterfront, passing boathouses and small quays, before reaching Audley's Wood. Enjoy beautiful views across to Portaferry.
Stage 3
At the edge of the wood, a path on the left takes you on a short detour up the 16th-century Audley's Castle. Climb to the top for a great panorama across the estate and Castle Ward Bay.
Stage 4
Continue walking along the loughside then turn left away from the water and through Audley's Wood, home to badgers and lots of small birds.
Stage 5
When the path exits the woodland, head right on a track, which soon leads to a gate in a stone wall. Emerge through this gate in to the parkland surrounding Temple Water. The temple itself is perched up on your right. You pass a Victorian walled garden, currently used to grow wild flowers.
Stage 6
Follow the path away from the lake along a tree-lined avenue back to the farmyard. In summer, note the wildflower meadow on your left. A series of paths lead to the mansion house, woodland and playgrounds.
End point
Old Castle Ward farmyard, Castle Ward, Ballyculter Avenue, County Down, BT30 7LS. Grid ref: J573498.
Trail map
More near here
Castle Ward Hoof Trail
The Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough with views of Audley's Castle and the Castle Ward Demesne.
Castle Ward Boundary Trail
A challenging eight-mile trail that takes in some of the best sights around Castle Ward, from Audley's Castle to the Deer Park.
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