Experience the 800 acre coastal, historic landscape through the myriad of off-road woodland trails and tracks. Savour spectacular views over Strangford Lough and towards the Mountains of Mourne and look out for buzzards and Irish Hare. Stop off for a 'cuppa' afterwards in the tearoom or take a browse in the Stable Yard shops.
| County | Down |
| Nearest Town | Strangford |
| Distance | 3.5 miles |
| OS Map | 21 |
| Route Type | Forest, Woodland |
| Route Shape | Circular |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road |
| AONB | Strangford Lough |
| Grid Ref (Start) | J573495 |
| Grid Ref (End) | J573495 |
Mostly woodland floor and gravel tracks. Main avenue is tarmac. Trails may be boggy in wet weather.
Views over Strangford Lough, eccentric 18th century mansion house, Irish hares.
From the main car park cycle down the main avenue with the mansion house on your left. Just before the entrance gates turn right onto Colonel's Walk. Climb up through the woodland and pause to enjoy the view towards the Mournes at the top. Carry on past some freshwater ponds until you come to the old Gamekeeper's Cottage (now 'Base Camp' used for groups). Choose an alternative trail to take you west through Mountain Wood from where Strangford Lough comes into view. Descend the gravel path to an quaint Victorian Gate Lodge. Turn right, with open farmland and the estate wall visible to your left, follow the rough, stone road back to the carpark.
Bike: NCN Route 99
Bus: Ulsterbus No 16E between Downpatrick and Strangford, bus stop at Castle Ward gates (check re space for bikes).
Car: On A25, 7ml from Downpatrick and 1.5 ml from Strangford. 45 mins drive time from Belfast. Follow brown road signs for Castle Ward.
Car park: Follow main avenue for half a mile and main car park is on the left just by the adventure playground.
Walkers, horse riders and estate vehicles. Cars on main avenue.
Car park (disabled parking at Stable Yard), toilets (including disabled), seasonal tearoom, mansion house with tours, adventure playground, gift and book shop, farmyard and corn mill, camping and caravan site, picnic areas, bike and canoe hire
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Main avenue and Farm Yard suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Downpatrick Avenue suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters or fit wheelchair users / users with a strong pusher. Woodland floor is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Castle Ward trail leaflet and property leaflet (National Trust)
Reception in Stable Yard
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
This information is provided by Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5PB.
Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248
info@cycleni.com
www.countrysiderecreation.com
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.