Multi-use trails at Castle Ward

A family of two adults and two children are walking along a gravel trail at Castle Ward, County Down. In focus in the foreground is a wooden pillar with six National Trust trail markers in different colours. — A family exploring one of the trails at Castle Ward | © National Trust Images/John Miller

With 21 miles of trails winding through the Castle Ward estate, there are plenty of ways to explore the stunning landscape. Whether you're walking, using a wheelchair, cycling, or horse riding, our multi-use trails offer a variety of routes through woodlands, meadows, and along the shoreline. Discover the beauty of the estate at your own pace.

What can I see?

Follow the network of trails to take a trip to Strangford Lough and meander through the sheltered woodland and rolling meadows down to the shoreline.

Download the trails map to plan your adventure.

Who can use the trails?

The trails at Castle Ward are multi-use, meaning that walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists, horse riders and dogs can all enjoy the scenic paths. With tracks to suit all abilities, the routes are perfect for little legs and older ones too.

Which trails are open?

Almost all the trails at Castle Ward have re-opened after storm damage. The "deer park" area between points 23 and 24 on the map remain closed March to September due to grazing cattle and alternative routes will be signposted.

Safety on the trails

Because people enjoying the trails will be moving at different speeds, there are some simple rules to follow to keep everyone safe:

Follow the waymarkers showing the direction of travel according to how you’re exploring.
Cyclists and walkers travel anti-clockwise on the trails, while horse riders travel in a clockwise direction.
There are designated 'slow zones' where trails meet. Please keep your speed low and be aware there could be a range of other trail users.
When you’re passing other people, keep to the left if possible.
If a trail is closed for livestock grazing, follow the diversion in place.

A family smiling as they cycle along the trail at Castle Ward, County Down; Strangford Lough is just visible on the background. — A family cycling along the trail at Castle Ward, County Down | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Cyclists and Bike Hire

Bike Rental

Visit the Reception at Castle Ward to rent a bike to enjoy more of the estate during your visit. We have a small amount of bikes available daily at a first come, first served basis. We have a small selection of adults and children's bikes available for rental, but occasionally some might be out of service so please get in touch if you have your heart set on a bike ride.

Prices: £5 for children and £7.50 for adults for 2 hours hire, or £7.50 and £10 for 4 hours.
Please note we do not have a trailer for very young children. Helmets are available in Reception. We currently do not have electric bikes so please be aware a good (ish) level of fitness is advised.

Whether you’re looking to leisurely explore the grounds or tackle more adventurous paths, our bike rental offers a fantastic way to experience the diversity of the estate. Cyclists are advised to follow any "slow zones" marked on the map and be aware that the trails are multi-use.

Cycle hire small print

Helmets are included in your hire, but feel free to bring your own.  
Please return your bike to the cycle hire hut by 4.30pm. You can hire a bike after 2.30pm, but please be aware that it will still need to be returned by 4.30pm and you'll be charged the full price of a two hour hire.
Bikes are available to hire on a first-come, first-served basis (pre-booking not available at the moment).

Castle Ward's cycle code

We ask that cyclists behave responsibly and respect other people enjoying the estate, and the livestock in the parkland. Get the most out of your cycling adventure by following our cycling code:

Be courteous and patient with other path users, letting walkers know you're there and giving way to slower users.
Control your speed according to the surface conditions, ensuring you can stop in time, and be wary of loose stones and tree roots, which can be slippery when wet.
Be particularly careful at road junctions and crossings, and look out for bends or other 'blind spots' where people could appear in front of you without warning.
Remember to stick to the designated cycle routes – for more information please ask a member of the welcome team.
Dismount when approaching road crossings and please close any trail gates behind you when opened.

A horse and rider coming through a stone archway at Castle Ward. — Rider on the hoof trail at Castle Ward | © National Trust / Bernie Brown

Exploring Castle Ward on Horseback

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.

If you'd like to take out an annual hoof permit, download the documents linked here and bring them in to the Admission Hut along with your BHS insurance details and a passport photograph.

Visitors on bikes or on horseback should take extra care on the Shore Trail and any road crossings marked as Slow zones.

Looking after Castle Ward

You can help us care for Calke by taking all litter home with you and presenting any National Trust membership cards to a member of the team.

Please note that all non-members arriving by car, bike or on foot are required to pay an admission fee for entry into the parkland. This supports vital conservation work in the outdoors at Calke Abbey, so that we can protect this special place for everyone, for ever.