Castle Ward Castle Trail
This walking trail leads along the shore of Strangford Lough and then through Audley’s wood before returning to the farmyard on the minor Audleystown Road. This trail leads through fields where there may be livestock.
Follow the PINK waymarker disks with the words ‘Castle Trail’ around the edge.
County Down
Distance 1.9 miles
OS Map 21
Terrain Off road level path & minor road
Nearest Town Strangford
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J575497
Route Type Coastal, Woodland
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. On reaching the Audleystown Road, turn left and follow this minor road back to the Farm Yard.
Expect other users on the trails – including a range of walkers and horses.
The off road section of this trail has an even surface throughout.
The road section is along a minor road.
Please ensure all gates are closed after passing through. Many of these enclose 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).
* Please note that National Trust entrance pricing applies for this walk. Please see the link below for details *
The Farm Yard, Audley’s Castle & Castle Ward House.
Parking for walkers 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.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Keep dogs under control at all times
Car park, toilets, tea room, bike hire, gift shop, book shop. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – Disabled parking – Disabled toilets.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Castle Ward Castle Trail