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Castle Ward Mountain Bike Trails

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Castle Ward Mountain Bike Trails
Avg 3.90
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Number of Reviews (1)
  • Information:
  • Type: Trail Centre
  • Grades: Green Blue
  • Riding: Cross Country
  • Facilities: Car Park Toilets Cafe Bike Wash Bike Hire Campsite
  • Admission: Day pass Membership
  • Season: Open all year
  • Typical visit: Half day
  • Surface: Mixed
  • Grading: UK national
  • Run by: National Trust (Operator)
  • Trail network:13km
  • Country:🌍 Northern-ireland
  • County:Down
  • Website:Castle Ward ↗
  • Socials:

Trail grades, descriptions and other details on this page are provided for general guidance only and may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Always check on-site signage and current conditions before riding. See our trail safety disclaimer.

Description

Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust estate on the southern shore of Strangford Lough, near Strangford village. The trail network covers over 13km of multi-use singletrack and wide paths through woodland, farmland and loughside terrain, with three green family-friendly loops and a 13km blue Boundary Trail. The estate also includes a cafe, bike hire, gift shop, camping and glamping. National Trust admission charges apply; entry is free for members.

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The Trails

  • Shore Trail (green, approx. 2km): A flat, accessible linear trail along the Strangford Lough shoreline. Wide and family-friendly with lovely views and a slow zone through the estate.
  • Castle Trail (green, approx. 3km): A loop past the Castle Ward house and gardens. Some steeper sections in the second half, suited to families with older children.
  • Farm Trail (green, approx. 4km): The longest green option, passing Audley's Castle, West Park and the historic farmyard, with views across to Portaferry. Includes some narrow sections and gates.
  • Boundary Trail (blue, approx. 13km): The full estate circuit combines flowing singletrack with wider multi-use paths through woodland and farmland. Expect gates, livestock fields, and other users on the wider sections. Suitable for competent cyclists: narrow and technical in places.

Getting Here

  • Primary car park: Shore Car Park, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7LS. Follow the main entrance drive for half a mile; the Shore Car Park is clearly signed. National Trust admission and parking charges apply, so check the National Trust Castle Ward page for current prices and opening hours.
  • Castle Ward is 1.5 miles west of Strangford village on the A25, seven miles north-east of Downpatrick. Follow brown road signs from the A25.
  • Bike hire is available on site from the estate reception. Contact the National Trust in advance to check availability.

Facilities

  • Car park, toilets, cafe (Stableyard Tea Room), bike hire, bike wash, gift shop, camping, glamping pods and caravan pitches on site.

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