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Northern Ireland

Nugent's Wood walk at Strangford Lough

Nugent's Walk Trail, County Down
Look out for wildlife and wild flowers | © National Trust Images/David Armstrong

Enjoy a short walk through wonderful mixed woodland at Nugent's Wood in Portaferry. Look out for red squirrels and, in the spring, bluebells, lesser celandines and cowslips.

Start point

The kissing gate behind the stone wall at the end of the row of houses. OSNI grid ref: J59129 50867

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Duration1 hour
Dog friendly***
  1. *This walk comprises a variety of surfaces and gradients. For further details, please see Terrain section.

  2. **This walk is not suitable for some people with reduced mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access. 

  3. ***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

  • Total stages: 7

    Total stages: 7

    Start point

    The kissing gate behind the stone wall at the end of the row of houses. OSNI grid ref: J59129 50867

    Stage 1

    From the kissing gate, head towards the entrance to Nugent's Wood (marked by the colourful bluebell carving).

    Stage 2

    Walk along the grass path, taking in the views across the lough to Castle Ward Bay, until you come to the squirrel sculpture.

    Stage 3

    Continue along the path, passing a traditional wrought-iron gate (recently restored by National Trust rangers and volunteers), until you come to a set of steps on your right.

    Stage 4

    Take the steps up into the woodland.

    Stage 5

    Follow the path under oak and beech trees, keeping an eye out for some great bracket fungus growing on the trunks.

    Stage 6

    Eventually, you'll arrive at some steps. At the bottom is a bench where you can catch your breath while enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature.

    Stage 7

    Rejoin the original path and follow it back to the starting point.

    End point

    The kissing gate behind the stone wall at the end of the row of houses. OSNI grid ref: J59129 50867

    Trail map

    Map route for Nugent's Wood walk
    Map of the Nugent's Wood walk | © Land and Property Services permit no. 120099 Crown Copyright 2013

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