Castle Ward Farm Trail
This trail leads along the shores of Strangford Lough and then winds through woodland and farmland before a narrow descent back to the car park. This trail leads through fields where there may be livestock.
Follow the ORANGE waymarker disks with the words Boundary Trail around the edge.
| Nearest Town | Strangford | OS Map | 21 |
| Route Type | Coastal, Parkland and Grassland, Woodland | Route Shape | Circular |
| AONB | Strangford Lough | Grid Ref (Start) | J575497 |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road | Grid Ref (End) | J575497 |
Terrain
The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths and two short sections of narrow, twisting singletrack. There is one road crossing.
Point of Interest
Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard, Audley's Castle & Castle Ward House.
Natural heritage including Strangford Lough, areas of farmland and woodland.
Route Description
Starting in the Shore Car Park, this circular trail leads along the shore of Strangford Lough and then around Audley's Castle through the surrounding woodland. After crossing the Audleystown Road (watch out for vehicles), the trail leads firstly through some woodland and then some open fields.
After passing the back of the old walled garden with its high red brick wall, keep left and follow the trail through a short singletrack section through woodland. The trail then leads along an old farm track, before turning left downhill and through an underpass. Turn left onto the final descent, a twisting singeltrack trail through the dense laurel. Turn right to reach the Shore Car Park.
Expect other users on the trails - walkers on the singletrack sections and horses and walkers on the wider multi use sections.
This trail has an even surface throughout and is narrow in places, with some steeper gradients and numerous gates to open and close.
Please ensure all gates are closed after passing through. Many of these enclose livestock.
Please do not take dogs with you while cycling as this may disturb or upset livestock.
Users MUST follow the direction of travel as indicated by the waymarkers – this will enable you to see oncoming users, especially horses (where trails are multi use).
Getting to the Start
Parking for cyclists is in the Shore Car Park within Castle Ward Demesne. The car park is clearly signed from the main entrance drive. There is an information panel and map in the Shore Car Park.
Traffic
There is a road crossing on the minor Audleystown Road.
Facilities
Car park, toilets, tea room, gift shop, bike hire, book shop
Information for People with a Disability
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
This trail is designed for competent walkers and cyclists. The trail is narrow up to 90cm wide in places with some tight bends and steep ascents and descents in places. There are numerous gates to be opened and closed.
Available Publication
Castle Ward Trail Guide (s) and Map
Available from Castle Ward - various information points
Cycle Hire
Clearsky Adventure Centre
Castle Ward Estate, Old Farmyard, Strangford, Downpatrick
Phone: 028 4372 3933
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One feedback comment has been left by a reader about Castle Ward Farm Trail:
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Kingking on February 13, 2012 @ 15:01
September 17, 2009 9:19 pm by Many of the rtaesurants which I have fond memories of, in NI, have, sadly, either changed hands; or had a fundamental renovation; or even closed down!I have had most fond memories of the original Lobster Pot front dining-room during the 70s and 80s.We thought highly of the Four Winds Restaurant in the 80s, which was located at Newton Park.Aldo's in Ardglass was also a favourite.These places do not , necessarily, have the best cuisine; but, alas, that is nostalgia for you!Tim
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