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visitstrangfordlough.co.uk

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Just off the shorefront is Exploris Aquarium, a fascinating Scrabo A2 contacts who can get you out onto the trails: the onto out you get can who contacts Tower

introduction to the wildlife of Strangford Lough for all ages.

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Cross the surging Narrows on the ferry to Strangford village A20

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where you can see Slieve Patrick and Saul Church, a replica A21 Hill Portaferry Comber

of St Patrick’s first Church in , onto Whiterock & Mahee Island Mahee & Whiterock where you can visit St Patrick’s Grave in the grounds of Down

Cathedral, Down County Museum or The Saint Patrick Centre. Comber Greenway Comber B178 B5 On the bike again, leave Downpatrick and head towards Castle Espie

Killyleagh, passing Delamont Country Park where the views of A20

Castle Ward – Woodland Trail Woodland – Ward Castle Strangford Lough really begin.

Castle Ward – Shore Trail Trail Shore – Ward Castle Sketrick Island and Nendrum Monastery, just off the route Ballydrain

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bike journey. Ballyhalbert Lecale Trail Lecale

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Cycle Trail < Saintfield A20 Portavogie Take the Lecale Route to stone circles, ruined churches on tranquil causeways and a 15th Century castle all against a golden coastal backdrop. A22 B6

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Advice:

Public Roads. Can be reduced A2 by alternative routes Killyleagh

The Lecale district of , made famous in song by Kearney , is criss-crossed with a network of roads most

A7 Cycling of which are nearly traffic free. At 37 miles this route may Portaferry An essential route guide helping appear long but it can easily be reduced by taking any one of the many alternative roads. The route meanders through Delamont you navigate Strangford Lough. Country Park an area abundant in pre-historic and more recent buildings A22 and artefacts. Start in Downpatrick close to , Strangford passing close to the Racecourse and tranquil Ballydugan A25 Lake before reaching Loughinisland and its historic ruined churches, which can only be reached by a causeway. Slieve Re-crossing the A25, you pass close to the mysterious Patrick For more information contact any of the Ballyquintin Ballynoe Stone Circles before reaching the coast at Point following Visitor Information Centres: and its golden beach. Follow the shoreline north to Kilclief Castle, a 15th Century structure which is open to Tourist Information Centre the public and is also the earliest tower-house in Lecale. The Downpatrick 31 Regent Street route then turns inland and then southwards through the NEWTOWNARDS villages of and Ballycruttle before turning back BT23 4AD towards Downpatrick. S 028 9182 6846 k [email protected] < Clough B1 A2 B176 Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre Strangford Lough Strangford – Portaferry The Saint Patrick Centre, Ferry Service Departs on the hour and half hour. 53a Market Street – Portaferry – Strangford DOWNPATRICK Sailings every Departs at quarterA25 past and quarter to the hour. 30 minutes 028 4488 1637 BT30 6LZ S B1 028 4461 2233 All Maps In This Document: This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the S permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of k [email protected] Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156. A2 A2 < Newcastle Ardglass (seasonal office Easter – end August) Dundrum Portaferry Tourist Information A2 & Visitor Centre B180 The Stables, Castle Street A50 2 miles

PORTAFERRY The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to 9128 ensure accuracy. However, Ards Borough Council and cannot accept BT22 1NZ responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss, This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the 028 4272 9882 disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in S this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned, permission of Land & Property Services under delegated k [email protected] or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. ©2013. authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156. Castle Ward Trails Castle Ward Trails Castle Ward Trails Castle Ward Trails

Castle Ward – Boundary Trail Castle Ward – Farm Trail Castle Ward – Shore Trail Castle Ward – Woodland Trail

Starting in the Shore Car Park, cross the Audleystown Road. The trail leads firstly through woodland before Starting in the Shore Car Park, this circular trail leads along the shore of Strangford Lough and then This wide flat linear trail is suitable for all abilities. The trail has a smooth consistent surface and no physical Experience the 800 acre coastal, historic landscape through the myriad of off-road woodland trails and tracks. heading through West Park - an area of historic farmland. Back into the woodland at Mallard Plantation, the around Audley’s Castle, a striking 15th Century castle, through the surrounding woodland. After crossing barriers. As it is ‘multi-use’, as well as other cyclists, expect horses and walkers and a range of other users. Savour spectacular views over Strangford Lough and towards the Mountains of Mourne and look out for trail branches left downhill. After crossing Downpatrick Avenue and a short 100m section on road, the trail Audleystown Road, the trail leads firstly through woodland and then some open fields. buzzards and Irish Hare. From the main Castle Ward car park cycle down the main avenue with the mansion leads left into Tullyratty, an area of farmland designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest due to the Take the trail leading from Castle Ward Farm yard towards Audley’s Quay. On reaching Audley’s Quay, a house on your left. species rich grassland. Back into the woodland of Mountain Wood, follow the singletrack trail to Base Camp. After passing the back of the old walled garden with its high red brick wall, keep left and follow the trail scenic point named for the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th Century, through a short singletrack section through woodland. The trail then leads along an old farm track, before users should turn and retrace their steps back to the Farm Yard. Just before the entrance gates turn right onto Colonel’s Walk. Climb up through the woodland and pause to After crossing the bridge continue on more single track, meandering through woods and fields to reach turning left downhill and through an underpass. Turn left onto the final descent, a twisting singletrack trail enjoy the view towards the Mournes at the top. Carry on past some freshwater ponds until you come to the the main entrance to the property. Continue through the historic grounds of Windmill Plantation and cross through the dense laurel. Turn right to reach the Shore Car Park. old Gamekeeper’s Cottage (now ‘Base Camp’ used for groups). Choose an alternative trail to take you west Church Walk with a view of Castle Ward House to the left. The trail then leads down through the Deer Park through Mountain Wood from where Strangford Lough comes into view. Descend the gravel path to a quaint on the final singletrack descent to Strangford Avenue and the Shore Car Park. Victorian Gate Lodge. Turn right, with open farmland and the estate wall visible to your left and follow the rough, stone road back to the car park.

Distance: Advice: Distance: Advice: Distance: Advice: Distance: Advice: 8.1 miles The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths and 2.5 Miles The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths 1.2 Miles This trail has a smooth, flat surface. It is at least 1.5m wide at all 3.5 Miles Mostly woodland floor and gravel tracks. Main Avenue is tarmac. narrow, twisting single track. Two road crossings and a short 100m and two short sections of narrow, twisting singletrack. There is one times. There is a turning circle at the end of the trail. Trails may be boggy in wet weather. Route Type: (max.) section on public road. Route Type: road crossing. Route Type: Route Type: Circular Circular Linear Things to See: Circular Things to See: Things to See: Things to See: Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard and Castle Ward Views over Strangford Lough, an eccentric 18th Century Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard, Audley’s Castle & Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard, Audley’s Castle & House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough and its wildlife. mansion house, Irish hares. Castle Ward House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough, areas Castle Ward House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough, areas of farmland and woodland. of farmland and woodland.

Comber Greenway Whiterock & Mahee Island Portaferry

Comber Greenway Whiterock & Mahee Island Portaferry

The Comber Greenway is a 7 mile predominantly traffic free section of the National Cycle This 20 mile route along the western shores of Strangford Lough and drumlin country rewards cyclists with This 22 mile circular route based at Portaferry links the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough to the sometimes Network developed by Sustrans along the old Belfast to Comber railway line. The path some of the finest views of the Lough to be had from a bicycle. Unexpected inlets appear magically, usually exhilarating beaches of the with views of the Isle of Man on a clear day. The quiet roads on the with their attendant flocks of waterfowl, while seals are often spotted resting on the rocky shoreline. From southern end of the peninsula are ideal for a carefree cycle with minimum disruption from vehicles, whilst was opened in November 2008 and provides a tranquil green corridor all the way from Comber the route passes Castle Espie Wetland Centre, home for many migrating Brent Geese in October, and the many sandy beaches are ideal for a picnic by the sea. Following the shoreline north of Portaferry, the the heart of East Belfast to the small town of Comber, home of (designer cyclists can soon make a 7 mile detour towards Mahee Island and the Nendrum monastic site. route turns inland toward Kirkistown and reaches the Irish Sea at Cloughey with its expansive beach. of the RMS ) with views of Parliament Buildings at Stormont, Scrabo Tower, the Keeping the sea on your left you will arrive, after a short detour, at the National Trust village of Kearney with Harland & Wolff cranes and the Belfast Hills along the way. You leave the shoreline after Whiterock and turn inland where farming is the main industry, with some of the its beautifully preserved collection of white washed cottages and houses. You then continue towards the roads at times demonstrating this! Passing through the hamlet of Kilmood, with its fine church, you follow southernmost point of the peninsula, Ballyquintin Point, before returning to Portaferry close to The Narrows the ridge high above Lisbane from where the Lough can be seen off to one side before rejoining the outward where spectacular tidal races can be seen twice a day. A regular ferry service (bikes are carried free) links to The traffic free route is suited to both leisure walking and cycling and is also a haven for route back to Comber. the village of Strangford on the other side of the Lough. wildlife, with areas of nature conservation such as the River Enler.

The route begins at Dee Street in East Belfast and passes by the CS Lewis statue at the Arches and it travels onwards to Dundonald. The route continues from Comber Road, Dundonald past the Billy Neill Centre for Soccer Excellence where the former railway line runs near to the Enler River. Walkers and cyclists can cross the Enler River and farm lanes using a series of reinstated bridges before reaching the Belfast Road, from where the route follows into Comber. Comber is a good base for exploring the nearby Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre and is also worth visiting for its cafes and designer/maker studios.

All Maps In This Document: This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.

Distance: Advice: Distance: Advice: Distance: Advice: 7 Miles A predominantly traffic free section of the National Cycle Network. 20 or 27 Miles Terrain rating is classed as medium moving along public 22 Miles The terrain is rated as medium and may prove challenging in some roads with some climbs. sections with a few sections to climb. Route Type: Things to See: Route Type: Route Type: Linear Doghouse Gallery, St Mary’s Church, Discovery Glass, Castle Espie, Circular Things to See: Circular Things to See: cafes and restaurants. Why not download the Comber Andrews–Titanic Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, Nendrum Monastic Site, Cloughey, with its expansive beach. Kearney, National Trust village, Walking Tour from visitstrangfordlough.co.uk to enable you to learn more Mahee Island, Sketrick Castle, Church with pretty whitewashed cottages and houses. Ballyquintin Point, the about this historic town? most southermost point of the Peninsula.