Please bear with us while we work through these changes, and how it might affect your visit. SUP is a fun way of exploring beautiful scenery, improving fitness & balance. Strangford Lough With evidence of Vikings and smugglers, the coastal walk at Orlock on Strangford Lough is steeped in archaeology and history. Wet Bouldering, or Gorge Walking is one of our favourite activities. The Wildlife Wander Walk is a short 0.75 mile loop. 2 were here. Northern Ireland is full of unique accommodation options. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. This walk affords stunning views of the Copeland Islands and out across the Irish Sea towards Scotland, making it one of the best coastal walks … Born in 1660, Sir Hans Sloane grew up in the town of Killyleagh. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies. Situated in Strangford Lough the route is 1.5 miles and follows a … Around the shores of the lough, the National Trust manages a number of interesting woodlands. Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. The Lecale Way is a long distance 93 km walk that can be taken in sections and extends from the heart of Downpatrick, taking in Strangford Lough and finishing in the seaside resort of Newcastle. Ballyquintin Farm - This grassland walk is situated at the very tip of the Ards Peninsula at the mouth of Strangford Lough. Killynether, below Scrabo Tower, has a terrific display of woodland flowers every spring. At Ardglass you can find six castles in the town. The walks are suitable for people of all levels of fitness and are flexible in length and duration. With evidence of Vikings and smugglers, the coastal walk at Orlock on Strangford Lough is steeped in archaeology and history. Walkers then pass through the picturespue coastal villages of Strangford and Ballyhornan before reaching Ardglass. The natural environment has a diverse range of species and is home to rare plants and animals. They normally last 1 to 2 hours. The coastal path passes through farmland, rocky shore and beach owned and managed by the National Trust, and also through a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by the Environment & Heritage Service. The route then follows the Dundrum Coastal Path and off road trail through Murlough Nature Reserve before heading into Newcastle by the the beach. Circular, 2.2 miles ... Delamont Strangford Walk. Please stay local if possible to avoid creating hotspots. Visit website. This makes it over 5,000 years old and the oldest boat in Ireland found in a marine setting. Kearney Coastal Walk and Quintin Castle; Cloughey Village and Kirkistown Castle; Strangford … Circular, 0.7 miles Flat, Drumlin Delamont Long Walk. Mesolithic hunter gatherers, St. Patrick, Vikings, and Norman invaders have all left their mark on Strangford Lough. The wealth of wildlife, unrivalled in Europe, is complex, delicately balanced, dependent on tides, and the variety of habitats found between seabed and shoreline, and of course, how we as humans interact with this precious resource. 4 Comments ... Mournes, Outdoor Activities, Red Bull Foxhunt, Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Walking, Wild Camping. 07763898074 This walk explores the area's unique geography - from rounded hills to a rock cleft called 'Gurgle Gurgle' - to discover how the stunning scenery was created. Gardens and indoor places remain closed in line with Welsh Government guidance. For peace, beauty, tranquillity and family fun, visit Delamont Country Park, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough. Kearney is wheelchair accessible for the first mile along a rough grass track, but crosses shingle beach after this point. It is the largest sea lough in the British Isles, covering an area from Angus Rock at its mouth on the Irish Sea, to the vast sand-flats at its northern end 20 miles (33 kilometres) away. 2. Strangford Lough. This made a barrier that allowed the water through, during the falling tide, but not the fish. Strangford Lough BBC Filming for Bloodlands took place on an island in the Strangford Lough, specifically the scenes in which police find the bodies of Goliath’s victims. Turn left along the shores of Strangford Lough, using a path that can be rough in places. The number of estates on the shore have in many instances been used as film locations. One of the most impressive archaeological discoveries in Northern Ireland is the Neolithic log boat at Strangford Lough. A most beautiful landscape of international importance. The coastline around Strangford Lough is dotted with tower-house castles built by noble Norman families. At Gibbs Island, you will see a meadow of wild flowers, teaming with butterflies, bees and other insects. At its heart lies an unusual Georgian mansion, but there's a lot more to discover here. It leads around a headland and back to the south to join the A25 road, the Castle Ward Road. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets: If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It is home to a wealth of wildlife and there was great excitement in May 2020 when two killer whales were spotted in the lough. Refreshments available weekends April to Oct and daily during the summer season. Hours & Info. The area around Strangford Lough and the Lecale Coast offers plenty of walking opportunities for everyone to enjoy Beginning from the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, day 1 takes walkers on quiet rural roads to the Strangford coast and National Trust property of Castle Ward. Strangford Lough is a unique and wonderful place of immense international importance for nature conservation. As you continue to walk this route you will end up at A National Trust car park on the Lisnabreeny Road. In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. From 13 March we'll begin to reopen coast and countryside car parks in Wales for local use. There are over one hundred islands in the lough. DISTANCE. At 150 km² Strangford Lough is the largest sea Lough in the British Isles and is a haven for wildlife. Follow the A2 along the coast through Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Portavogie and Cloughy. Day 1 – Downpatrick to Ardglass – 22 miles (35.4 km). Guided bus tours are available for groups who can provide their own transport. The lough also houses many large seal colonies and its shores are noted for the diversity of the wildflowers. Castle Ward offers a variety of trails – some hug the shores of Strangford Lough, others pass through woodland, tower houses, castles and ancient monuments. Day 2 – Ardglass to Newcastle – 18 miles (29 km). Saint Patrick was captured from Roman Britain and subjected to slavery from the age of 16 to 22 years old. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds. The wealth of archaeological evidence tells a story of mankind’s dependence on the lough that spans thousands of years. Slanes Point Strangford Lough is a unique place to visit at any time of the year, and in autumn there's always a wide variety of wildlife to be found by the shore or in the wider countryside. If you are interested in volunteering, please keep checking for future opportunities. The National Trust encourages visitors to walk in its farmland sites, however we would ask you to respect livestock and keep your dogs under close control. There is something for every walker to enjoy but the trails are especially suited to families and those looking for well-signed scenic outings on good surfaces. Welcome to the online noticeboard for the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership. The kelp industry has significant commercial importance to the area. Discover the role our rangers play in helping maintain this traditional form of conservation grazing. Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for. The route passes many parts including Struell Wells, Saul, Castle Ward, and Strangford where you may board Europe’s oldest ferry service dating back to 1180. Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles, A treasure trove of magical gardens and woodlands, Neo-classical house, celebrated gardens and demesne, An extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape, A picturesque walk from wooded glen to hilltop rath, Close to the city, in the heart of the country, Watch the arrival of thousands of light-bellied brent geese, all the way from Arctic Canada, Some of the most beautiful views in Northern Ireland, Volunteers take part in many aspects of our work including coppicing, bird surveys and tree planting, Magical fairy carving on the Nugent's Wood Trail. Circular; Linear; Route Type. It is one of only three designated Marine Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. We ensure our farmland is managed in a way that encourages wildlife. His collection went on to found the base for the British Museum. An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: *Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds. ... Castle ward on it’s shores is a national trust property with interesting architectural quirks, great walks and home to Winterfell the Starks family home in HBO series Game of Thrones. 70,000 birds, come here each winter to feed on the rich tidal waters and thousands of common seals also breed in the lough, making this area one of Europe’s most important wildlife sites. Overlooking the city below and with magnificent views of Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough there is no better vantage point to … This area is now known as Saul (meaning barn) and lies along the Lecale Way. The safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors and supporters is our top concern and in accordance with Government guidelines on social distancing, our houses, shops, cafes, gardens and parks are now closed, and from March 24 all of our car parks will close. Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in these islands and it is a Marine Nature Reserve. Circular, 7 miles All types of terrain Castle Archdale Blue Route. Directory \ EXPLORE Walks all over the UK \ Northern Ireland \ South East of Northern Ireland \ North Down & Ards \ *Strangford Lough *Strangford Lough 'Discover amazing spaces and places around Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula. brigid.watson@btinternet.com Circular, 0.9 miles Gravel paths Derrynoyd Wood Trail. Sessions last around 2.5 hours. Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Strangford Lough. It will accommodate about 12 people and has plenty of space for camping, The Strangford Lough property has a series of exciting guided walks, talks and boat trips throughout the year, suitable for all the family. Please check the property webpage before you travel.