• Be aware of substantial mud flats during low tide low during flats mud substantial of aware Be •

• Be aware of deep mud at low water low at mud deep of aware Be •

of the Lough. the of

a family home. family a

• Ringneill Bay is a wonderful windy day option day windy wonderful a is Bay Ringneill •

• Wonderful launch point to explore the islands on the eastern side side eastern the on islands the explore to point launch Wonderful •

castles in Ireland that remains that Ireland in castles • Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

• Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

century. It is one of the oldest the of one is It century.

islands impossible impossible islands

Lough. the in winter birds grey light and blackish-brown muddy bay. Be careful of soft mud when the tide is out. is tide the when mud soft of careful Be bay. muddy Norman invasion in the 11th the in invasion Norman • Be aware of low tide - which makes circumnavigating the circumnavigating makes which - tide low of aware Be •

Geese. Three quarters of the world population of these of population world the of quarters Three Geese. and Whiterock. Here the rocky shoreline runs into a into runs shoreline rocky the Here Whiterock. and originally built after the after built originally • Idyllic area, ideal for exploring the southern islands islands southern the exploring for ideal area, Idyllic •

• Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local • Common Blue Butterfly and for Pale Bellied Brent Bellied Pale for and Butterfly Blue Common known in Europe. There are lovely views of the Lough the of views lovely are There Europe. in known the splendid Castle, which was which Castle, splendid the

nursery area for young flatfish. Also look out for the for out look Also flatfish. young for area nursery discovered are the remains of the oldest tidal mill tidal oldest the of remains the are discovered western shore, is dominated by dominated is shore, western

wintering Brent geese and wigeon. It also provides a provides also It wigeon. and geese Brent wintering old sundial. In the head of the bay and recently and bay the of head the In sundial. old Killyleagh, a small town on the on town small a Killyleagh,

expected return times – Tel. 028 4482 8333. 4482 028 Tel. – times return expected Castle Killyleagh Photograph: Sustrans

dark green swaths of eelgrass - the staple diet of over- of diet staple the - eelgrass of swaths green dark the base of a round tower. Near the church there is an is there church the Near tower. round a of base the

Killyleagh Point: Access Please inform the Park Office of launching and launching of Office Park the inform Please

When paddling in Kircubbin Bay, low tide will reveal will tide low Bay, Kircubbin in paddling When research included a tiny church, round buildings and buildings round church, tiny a included research

of Downpatrick from tidal flooding. tidal from Downpatrick of

the dead of night. night. of dead the ruins of the monastery uncovered during archaeological during uncovered monastery the of ruins

South of Delamont is a barrage that protects the town the protects that barrage a is Delamont of South

into Doctors Bay where they unloaded their booty in booty their unloaded they where Bay Doctors into Island which is home to Nendrum monastic site. The site. monastic Nendrum to home is which Island

of Rainey and Maghee Islands Maghee and Rainey of National Trust. National

of land south of Kircubbin as a landmark to navigate to landmark a as Kircubbin of south land of island clusters to the south. It is connected to Mahee to connected is It south. the to clusters island • Be aware of the tidal stream, especially between the north ends ends north the between especially stream, tidal the of aware Be •

within the Lough to have trees and is owned by the by owned is and trees have to Lough the within

• Easy access to very sheltered Ringneill Bay (at local high tide) high local (at Bay Ringneill sheltered very to access Easy • smugglers were thought to use the “Black Neb”, a spit a Neb”, “Black the use to thought were smugglers causeway and marks the start of a chain of beautiful of chain a of start the marks and causeway

by mature Scot's Pines. This is one of the few islands few the of one is This Pines. Scot's mature by

• Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

Eddie and the Smugglers of Strangford Lough. The Lough. Strangford of Smugglers the and Eddie Island Reagh is connected to the mainland by a by mainland the to connected is Reagh Island

at The Heronry. Just offshore is Gibbs Island recognised Island Gibbs is offshore Just Heronry. The at

contraband has been immortalised in the story of Daft of story the in immortalised been has contraband

and branches. Please be sensitive to the nesting birds nesting the to sensitive be Please branches. and

Island Reagh Island Point: Access

in alcohol, tobacco and other and tobacco alcohol, in

watched in this area fishing in the shallows. the in fishing area this in watched huge, untidy nests – up to a metre across, using twigs using across, metre a to up – nests untidy huge,

and corn. Meanwhile an illicit trade illicit an Meanwhile corn. and

also has a heronry and these majestic birds can be can birds majestic these and heronry a has also these large grey birds build birds grey large these

water to the south of the islands the of south the to water to deliver coal and export potatoes export and coal deliver to

water techniques as it is very sheltered. Rainey Island Rainey sheltered. very is it as techniques water

homes. From early January early From homes.

• Be aware of substantial mud flats during low tide - stay in deeper deeper in stay - tide low during flats mud substantial of aware Be •

provided a harbour for 40 ton vessels ton 40 for harbour a provided

bay. This is a great area to introduce novices to moving to novices introduce to area great a is This bay. Herons have made their made have Herons

Chapel Islands and the northern end of the Lough the of end northern the and Islands Chapel

of Strangford Lough, Kircubbin once Kircubbin Lough, Strangford of

Islands – running at up to 5 knots as the water fills the fills water the as knots 5 to up at running – Islands where about 25 pairs of pairs 25 about where • Fairly sheltered, good launching point to explore Boretree and and Boretree explore to point launching good sheltered, Fairly •

A small village on the eastern shore eastern the on village small A

Strong tidal currents exist between Rainey and Mahee and Rainey between exist currents tidal Strong • Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

the heronry at Kinnegar Wood Kinnegar at heronry the Common Blue Butterfly Photograph: National Trust

was purchased by the Down Cruising Club as a clubhouse. a as Club Cruising Down the by purchased was

Also of interest in the park is park the in interest of Also

Grey Heron: Ardea cinerea Grey Heron: Photograph: EHS Kircubbin Point: Access

withdrawn from service by the ‘Irish Lights’ in 1968 and 1968 in Lights’ ‘Irish the by service from withdrawn important not to disturb them during this time. this during them disturb to not important centimetres, one for each year of the Millennium. the of year each for one centimetres,

rivetted and caulked construction. The ship was ship The construction. caulked and rivetted undertake their return journey. It is therefore is It journey. return their undertake and weighs 47 tonnes. The height above ground is 1000 is ground above height The tonnes. 47 weighs and

lightship ‘Petrel’, built in Dublin in 1911 by traditional by 1911 in Dublin in built ‘Petrel’, lightship fuel in the form of fat reserves, to provide energy to energy provide to reserves, fat of form the in fuel Mourne granite is 12 metres in length in metres 12 is granite Mourne

• Excellent exposed eastern shoreline eastern exposed Excellent •

Also of note in this locality is the historical iron historical the is locality this in note of Also the end of the winter they have packed away enough away packed have they winter the of end the Millennium. The stone, quarried from quarried stone, The Millennium.

• Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

marked ‘Birds Welcome’ should be avoided. be should Welcome’ ‘Birds marked enormous restaurant with a rich and varied menu. By menu. varied and rich a with restaurant enormous Ireland and was erected to mark the mark to erected was and Ireland

consulted before paddling in the Lough and islands and Lough the in paddling before consulted in the Lough. To them the mud and sand flats are an are flats sand and mud the them To Lough. the in Stone. This is the tallest megalith in megalith tallest the is This Stone.

the lough for recreational boating. This should be should This boating. recreational for lough the and the Baltic to overwinter to Baltic the and Portaferry. of north immediately Rock Walter at and hilltop, and is home to the Strangford the to home is and hilltop,

produced "The Castaways Code" and map for those using those for map and Code" Castaways "The produced as Siberia, Iceland, Canada Iceland, Siberia, as Lough, the to entrance the at Rock, Angus at water the drumlins, a' Rath' sited on Delamont on sited Rath' a' drumlins,

vast numbers of waders. The National Trust (NT) has (NT) Trust National The waders. of numbers vast breeding grounds as faraway as grounds breeding from visible also are rocks these paddler a As land. from woodlands, open pastures, rolling pastures, open woodlands,

although of little interest to paddlers, these support these paddlers, to interest little of although Strangford Lough from their from Lough Strangford seen be can Lough Strangford of rocks) (Silurian bedrock This 200-acre park has mature has park 200-acre This

Strangford Stone

North of Mahee Island lie large expanses of mudflats, of expanses large lie Island Mahee of North Birds make epic journeys to journeys epic make Birds ancient the where places few the of one is island The

Curlew Photograph: Laurie Campbell

Delamont Country Park Country Delamont Point: Access occupied the area from the 5th to the 10th centuries. 10th the to 5th the from area the occupied stands within Scrabo Country Park. Country Scrabo within stands butterflies of variety

5th century. Early Celtic monks are believed to have to believed are monks Celtic Early century. 5th as a memorial to the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, of Marquess 3rd the to memorial a as a and Scurvy-Grass Aster, Sea Lavender, Sea for out

been converted by St Patrick and died at the end of the of end the at died and Patrick St by converted been northern end of the Lough. Scrabo Tower, built in 1847 in built Tower, Scrabo Lough. the of end northern look Also Stonechat. and Wren Linnet, including birds

the Lough Lough the

Nendrum, founded by Mochaoi who was said to have to said was who Mochaoi by founded Nendrum, overlooking the town of Newtownards and marking the marking and Newtownards of town the overlooking for areas nesting provide grassland and scrub The birds.

• Be aware of being forced (by the wind) into the main channel of channel main the into wind) the (by forced being of aware Be •

Further north on Mahee Island is the monastic site of site monastic the is Island Mahee on north Further notice the 41m high Scrabo Tower, Scrabo high 41m the notice and insects plants, with rich is and marsh salt important

of the Lough the of

h aos‘atEde’restaurant. Eddies’ ‘Daft famous the When paddling in this area you will you area this in paddling When has shores, pebbly and outcrops rocky bays, sandy • Wonderful launch point to explore the islands on the western side western the on islands the explore to point launch Wonderful •

church, well, graveyard and graveyard well, church, islands are also frequented by seals. by frequented also are islands of mix a offers shoreline The • Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast at water high after minutes 15 hours 2 is water high Local •

the site of an ancient castle, ancient an of site the surfers as well as sailors. The nearby The sailors. as well as surfers mainland. the from causeway

causeway, Sketrick Island is Island Sketrick causeway, permitted on the island. the on permitted a popular site for wind and kite and wind for site popular a the via island the access can

Joined to the mainland by a by mainland the to Joined official bothy in Northern Ireland. Camping is also is Camping Ireland. Northern in bothy official strong offshore winds and has become has and winds offshore strong paddlers and park car small

safe navigation for paddlers. paddlers. for navigation safe nautical miles to the south and home to the first the to home and south the to miles nautical area is known for the reliable and reliable the for known is area a is There Lough. Strangford of

islands offer sheltered and sheltered offer islands interest is Salt Island which is approximately 1.5 approximately is which Island Salt is interest that can be used at high water. This water. high at used be can that side eastern the on spot rural

This fascinating maze of maze fascinating This at the south of Strangford Lough. Of particular Of Lough. Strangford of south the at At Cunningburn there are two slipways two are there Cunningburn At secluded, a is Island Horse

Scrabo Tower Pale-bellied Brent Geese Pale-bellied Photograph: EHS Nendrum monastic site

a good starting point for a paddle around the islands the around paddle a for point starting good a

Horse Island Horse Point: Access Whiterock Point: Access Cunningburn Point: Access Killyleagh is a popular location for water sports and is and sports water for location popular a is Killyleagh

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER In the unlikely event of an emergency use the following number: Police, ambulance, and Coastguard: 999 (all phones) SAFETY cano e Canoeing is an adventure sport and as such should be treated with TRAI LS respect. If you are new to the sport, it is advisable to contact a Access Point: Portaferry CANI approved provider or club where expert coaching can be Angus Rock provided. Details of CANI approved providers and clubs can be Portaferry lies at the found at www.cani.org.uk Finding freedom in Northern Ireland on the eastern side of Strangford When taking part in canoeing consider the following safety advice: Lough Narrows. The village 1. ‘The Narrows’ has extremely powerful tidal currents which should only be tackled by appropriately experienced canoeists. Strangford Lough dates from the 12th 2. A ferry operates across ‘The Narrows’ between Strangford and century when a row of Portaferry every 15 minutes. fishermen’s cottages was 3. Be aware of the limitations and needs of larger craft that are Canoe Trail built beside an Anglo- restricted to deep water channels. THIS STUNNING SEA LOUGH OFFERS NO LESS THAN 80 SQUARE 4. The Lough is a major water recreational area and you should Norman castle. Today the village is popular among NAUTICAL MILES OF PADDLING PLAYGROUND! FROM THE be aware of other users, especially sailing boats when they FAST-RUNNING TIDAL CHANNEL IN THE SOUTH,TO THE MORE GENTLE visitors and well known for Exploris Aquarium with are competing in races. WATERS AROUND THE ISLANDS THERE IS SOMETHING FOR CANOEISTS its displays of the local marine wildlife. ‘The 5. Wear adequate buoyancy in the form of a personal life jacket This island-studded sea lough is the OF ALL ABILITIES.THE TRAIL IS ALSO HOME TO NORTHERN IRELAND’S or buoyancy aid. Canoe buoyancy should be sufficient to keep Narrows’ looks like a river as powerful tidal FIRST ‘BOTHY’ WHICH PROVIDES BASIC SHELTER AND USEFUL FACILITIES largest inlet in the UK & Ireland, the canoe afloat if you capsize. waters rush though this deep but constricted FOR PADDLERS ON SALT ISLAND. covering 80 square nautical miles. It is 6. Wear adequate clothing. Prolonged immersion in cold water channel approximately every six hours. It is 500m leads to hypothermia – hypothermia can kill. approached from the Irish Sea through wide at its narrowest point; up to 60m deep, 7. It is not recommended to canoe alone – three boats is the the (5 nautical mile) fast-running tidal minimum required for most rescues. Narrows which open out into more 5 nautical miles long, and is the start of a 8. Remember - a canoe may be difficult to see from a larger gentle waters. y-shaped channel that runs most of the length of craft so carry a whistle. the Lough. Sea level is raised and lowered more 9. You do not need to be a strong swimmer but you will need The Viking invaders who arrived in their long boats than 3 metres twice a day and approximately 350 the water confidence to deal with a capsized boat and get through the fast flowing waters called ‘The Narrows’ ashore safely. million tonnes of water pour through ‘The bestowed the name Strangfjörthr or ‘place of strong 10. Consider attending a recognised training course which explores Narrows’ every 6 hours. A regular ferry service currents’. This is a section of the canoe trail that skills, safety and environmental issues. operates across ‘The Narrows’ from Portaferry to 11. Carry and know how to use a map and compass. requires a high level of expertise and it provides an 12. It is recommended that paddlers obtain an up-to-date weather excellent challenge for the experienced paddler! Strangford, crossing time 5-10 minutes. forecast as the Lough can become rough in strong winds. A new marine turbine has been located in the Carrying rafting poles for open canoes is also a sensible The Routen Wheel is a series of whirlpools, boils and centre of ‘The Narrows’ about 500m south of precaution (rafted canoes are more stable in rough conditions). swirling waters, which is caused by pinnacles of rock Portaferry and the pillar marking this turbine 13. The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) recommends on the seabed.This area should be treated with the should be given a wide berth by all boat users. that paddlers leave details of their journey with the utmost caution. Coastguard and a responsible adult. The Routen Wheel is a series of whirlpools, boils and 14. Carry adequate basic safety equipment - spare clothes, extra By contrast, the calmer waters of the main shallow swirling waters, which is caused by pinnacles of rock on food, warm drink, bivvi bag and means of communication (VHF basin further north gave this Lough its old Irish name, the seabed. The water is much more turbulent on radio or mobile phone, flares etc), first aid kit. Lough Cuan, meaning sheltered haven. Here paddlers the ebb tide than the flood. FURTHER INFORMATION will find a myriad of channels and routes to explore, ‘The Narrows’ is a serious undertaking and should Tourist Information Centres/Accommodation: Portaferry 028 4272 9882 as well as the chance to discover some of the only be tackled by suitably experienced paddlers. Newtownards 028 9182 6846 country’s finest scenery. The outgoing tide is potentially more dangerous Downpatrick 028 4461 2233 than the incoming tide. Designated as Northern Ireland's first Marine Nature Police – non-emergency 0845 600 8000 Reserve, Strangford Lough is internationally renowned When there is a southerly or easterly swell in the Trail updates Any changes to the canoe trail that for its abundance and diversity of habitats and Irish Sea and an ebbing tide – the sea state at the may occur will be updated on our Bar Mouth (i.e. where ‘The Narrows’ meet the website as we are made aware of species. Over 2000 marine animal and plant species them. Please log on and tell us have been found, most unique to this area. Look out Irish Sea) can be very significant with large (4m+) what’s old, what’s new and what you for seals, Arctic Terns, Irish Hares, porpoises and breaking waves. This sea state also occurs with a thought of the trail! much, much more! flooding tide against an opposing wind direction. Canoe Trails www.canoeni.com Canoe Association NI www.cani.org.uk This trail guide has been designed for canoeists by Outdoor NI www.outdoorni.com • EBB TIDE (outgoing): Starts 3 hours 30 minutes after high Countryside Access & canoeists. It provides practical information including water at Belfast Activities Network www.countrysiderecreation.com official access points, campsites and tidal details. • FLOOD TIDE (incoming): Starts 2 hours 30 minutes before high NI Tourist Board www.discovernorthernireland.com National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk Happy paddling! water at Belfast Strangford Lough Office www.strangfordlough.org • Changeable conditions with strong tidal stream and a EHS www.ehsni.gov.uk Please note: Although many of the islands are accessible, in rough water environment spring and summer some of them become breeding grounds for Acknowledgements: Photography: National Trust, EHS, • Be aware of other vessels whose movements are restricted Jon Bewley - Sustrans, Manouch Photography, important and vulnerable bird species and therefore access is not to the channel, and the strong tidal stream of up to and Laurie Campbell, www.thinkstudio.co.uk permitted to certain islands at these times. More details can be Design: g2 design obtained from The National Trust Warden on 028 4488 1411. including 7 knots Disclaimer: The information on this guide may not be 100% accurate – it is designed to be used in conjunction with an OSNI 1:50,000 map. The publishers, authors and contributors can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person as a result of information or advice given in this guide. Strangford Canoe Trail NEWTOWNARDS Finding freedom in Northern Ireland on the

LONDONDERRY DONEGAL ANTRIM CARROWDORE

A20 TYRONE BELFAST

FERMANAGH DOWN ARMAGH Access Point: Salt Island A21 A2 MONAGHAN

CAVAN LOUTH Photograph: National Trust Yellow Iris Owned and managed by The National

Trust, Salt Island was once occupied MOUNT STEWART and farmed. There is evidence of paddocks, ‘lazy beds’, stone banks and remnants of hedges indicative of A BER CUNNINGBURN BALLYWALTER a mid to late Victorian landscape. er GR 538 704 Although the original cottage dwelling A20 had been used as a bothy/bunkhouse in the past*, B5

repeated vandalism led to its closure in the late 90s. GREYABBEY In 2008 the bothy was restored and now offers basic shelter (for up to 12 people) with running water, wood

burning stove, toilets, but no electricity. There are two CASTLE ESPIE official camping areas on the island – one within the bothy grounds and one on the opposite (NW) side of the island. Around the periphery of the island, marshy, wet ISLAND REAGH ground provides a good habitat for the yellow iris. The GR 525 645 grassland lends itself to ground nesting birds like skylark and meadow pipit.

LISBANE For bookings and further information contact The National BALLYHALBERT Trust on 028 4488 1204. Please note that the bothy is locked

when not in use and as such, advance booking is essential to Fast Water A2 gain access. Please look after this unique asset so that it WHITEROCK KIRCUBBIN A remains available and enjoyable for the next visitors. GR 524 627 GR 596 628 KIRCUBBIN River Blackwater • Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast • Full access to the jetty 2.5 hours either side of high water WHITEROCK • Be aware of deep mud at low water HORSE ISLAND GR 600 609 BALLOO Access Point: Castle Ward Demesne KILLINCHY Darragh Island PORTAVOGIE

Photograph: National Trust Castle Ward Blackstaff With 820 acres overlooking River Strangford Lough, Castle Ward STRANGFORD is one of The National Trust’s LOUGH most spectacular sites in Northern Ireland. Winding A22 woodland, lough shore, parkland and lakeland trails are on offer making it ideal for outdoor recreation. At the centre is a quirky 18th century mansion built inside and out in the distinctly different styles of classical Palladian and Gothic. It is said that this arose because the first Viscount Bangor and his wife could not agree and each insisted on a different style. A20 Island Taggart The first house built by the Ward family, in about 1610, was a tower house designed with defence rather

than comfort in mind. The house, which stands in the SHRIGLEY farmyard, is typical of those built by the Anglo-Irish at Dibney River A KILLYLEAGH that time and was surrounded by a fortified farmyard GR 531 625 or bawn. KILLYLEAGH

Ballyhenry Island CASTLE WARD A

A22 Green Island GR 574 498

PORTAFERRY DELAMONT A KEY COUNTRY PARK Salt Island Official campsite Telephone Cafe/restaurant Jetty

GR 513 601 The Narrows DELAMONT Rough camping Shower Toilets COUNTRY PARK A Bothy SALT ISLAND Shop Public house Parking

GR 532 601 Fresh water Slipway Historical building/ruins Gibb’s Island ‘Overfalls’. Tidal rapids and waves, dangerous to the inexperienced canoeist. CASTLE WARD Kayaking at Audley’s Castle ROE POINT Town facilities include shops, banks, post offices and restaurants. (Castle Ward continued). There are pigs, a STRANGFORD Beaches.

working Corn Mill and a Wildlife Centre Areas exposed at low tide. in the farmyard and a Tea Room, A25 All sites with slips cater for disability access with varying degrees depending on the water level. It is recommended to check before starting a journey.

CAUTION A Bookshop and Gift Shop in the stableyard. Strangford Lough is tidal. During low tide vast areas of mud and silt Access points Routen Wheel For children there is also an Adventure become inaccessible by foot. Pay attention to the areas north of Turbulent Fast Water A25 Play Area and a Victorian Play Room. Castle Espie, Grey Abbey and around the islands as these can dry out quickly. Prior to departure establish the state of the tide and weather A PORTAFERRY Other facilities on offer include self- forecast, giving due consideration to open water sections of the Lough. GR 595 503 catering accommodation, toilets, off- SAUL road trails and a caravan & campsite. DOWNPATRICK

An outdoor pursuits centre is also based onsite. 2 3 Nautical miles 0 1 A STRANGFORD GR 589 497 cano e TRAI LS 0 20 40 60 Estimated paddling time (mins) • Local high water is 2 hours 15 minutes after high water at Belfast Quoile River APPROXIMATE SCALE 1:60,000 Bar Mouth

Access Point: Strangford Earning a Welcome Facilities SITE CAMPING* TOILETS SHOWERS WATER PARKING NEAREST TOWN/VILLAGE CENTRE Photograph: EHS Harbour Seal - Phoca Vitulin 1. Please be friendly and polite to local residents and other From Strangford the Lough can Portaferry Yes Yes Portaferry 700m be accessed from the public water users. Horse Island Yes Kircubbin 2.4km 2. Drive with care and consideration and park sensibly. slipway in the village. The Kircubbin Yes Yes Kircubbin 150m 3. Change clothing discreetly, preferably out of public view. Cunningburn Yes Yes Greyabbey 5km harbour is afforded protection 4. Gain permission before going on to private property. Island Reagh Yes Lisbane 6.3km from the elements by Swan Ballydorn On road Balloo 4.2km 5. Minimise your impact on the natural environment and Island, just off shore. This small Killyleagh Yes Killyleagh 500m use recognised access points. There are also many Delamont Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Killyleagh 3km island is a favourite nesting unofficial access points around the Lough which may Salt Island Yes Yes Yes Killyleagh 1.5 nautical miles place for Sandwich, Arctic and Common terns that be used with the owner’s consent. Castle Ward Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Strangford 8km arrive from the edge of the Antarctic or Africa in 6. Be sensitive to wildlife and other users regarding the Strangford Yes Yes Strangford 100m their thousands to breed on the islands each spring. level of noise you create. *CAMPSITE CONTACT DETAILS: Strangford Lough is an excellent area for seal 7. Observe wildlife from a distance and be aware of Delamont Country Park 028 4482 8333 www.delamontcountrypark.com spotting. Both Common and Grey Seals haul out on sensitive locations such as bird nesting or bird Salt Island Bothy / Campsite 028 4488 1204 www.nationaltrust.org.uk rocks at low tide. They are relatively easy to roosts and wintering flock concentrations. Keep your Castle Ward Estate 028 4488 1204 www.nationaltrust.org.uk distinguish as the Common Seal is smaller with a distance from seals hauled out on rocks so that no spaniel dog type head – while the grey seal has a disturbance occurs. 8. Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. For more ACCOMMODATION A range of self-catering and B&B accommodation CANOE TOURS For up-to-date canoe hire and guiding pronounced “Roman” nose. Common Seals come into is available around the Lough. For a full list of information please visit www.canoeni.com information visit www.leavenotraceireland.org the shelter of the Lough during June and July to pup. accommodation providers please visit 9. Keep the numbers in your party consistent with safety, The seals come close to shore but can be disturbed by www.canoeni.com or the nature of the water conditions and the impact on walking and paddling close by. Please be considerate www.discovernorthernireland.com your surroundings. and keep your distance. A regular ferry service operates across ‘The Narrows’ This project has been developed by CANI AND CAAN. This project has received financial support from: This project has also been from Strangford to Portaferry - crossing time 5-10 MAPS OSNI Discoverer Series: Strangford Lough 1:50,000 Sheet 21 endorsed by The Maritime NEEDED OSNI Strangford Lough Activity Map 1:25,000 minutes. It leaves from Strangford on the hour and The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland and Coastguard Agency and Admiralty Chart no 2156 ‘Strangford Lough’ supported by: half hour and from Portaferry at a quarter past and is the governing body for canoeing in Northern Ireland. to the hour. Email:[email protected] Website:www.cani.org.uk ACCESS MAP:based upon 2008 Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland 1:50 000 map The Countryside Access and Activities with the permission of the Controller of Strangford village is situated directly across the Lough Network is responsible for the strategic Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown from the town of Portaferry, and as such, paddlers Copyright 2008. License no 100,205.2. development and management of should be aware of the conditions in ‘The Narrows’ countryside recreation across Northern (see Portaferry section). Ireland. The Countryside The bothy has been part funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) through the Access and Activities Network Email:[email protected] EU programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity. for Northern Ireland Website:www.countrysiderecreation.com *Special thanks is given to Len Stewart and Eric and Sheila Rainey for their contribution to the Bothy’s survival. In the 1980s, Len Stewart, a proactive National Trust worker led a team of volunteers in rebuilding the house. Wardens Eric and Sheila Rainey managed it as a Bothy or Both CANI and CAAN endorse the principles of bunkhouse for paddlers and other groups. ‘Leave No Trace’.