The best walks and hikes around Ardquin
4.4
(48)
476
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Ardquin offers a range of trails primarily situated around coastal areas and historical estates. The region's landscape is characterized by gentle elevations and established parklands, providing accessible routes for various activity levels. Trails often traverse shorelines and managed grounds, featuring a mix of open views and natural paths. The terrain is generally mild, with no difficult routes recorded.
Best hiking trails around Ardquin
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail, a 7.6 miles (12.2…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.7
(14)
49
hikers
12.2km
03:17
150m
150m
Embark on the Castle Ward Hoof Trail, a moderate hiking route spanning 7.6 miles (12.2 km) with an elevation gain of 483 feet (147 metres). You can expect to complete…
4.7
(3)
77
hikers
4.66km
01:15
60m
60m
Discover the easy Castle Ward Farm Trail, a delightful hike spanning 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 201 feet (61 metres). This route typically takes about…
Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
29
hikers
7.74km
02:05
100m
90m
Embark on the Castle Ward Boundary Trail, a moderate hiking route that guides you through a diverse landscape of mature woodlands, active farmlands, and historic grounds. As you hike, you…
4.8
(5)
50
hikers
11.5km
03:03
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
hikers
8.57km
02:17
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Ardquin
Tips from the Community
This 15th-century three-storey tower house stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Strangford Lough and offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Named after its 16th-century owner, John Audley, the tower is a typical example of the numerous stone towers built for the lesser nobility in the late Middle Ages.
1
1
When you cycle along the banks of this natural harbour, you immediately feel the special atmosphere of this place, which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The lough stretches an impressive 26 kilometres in length and impresses with over 365 small islands, many of which dry out at low tide. On your way you will repeatedly come across fascinating traces of long-gone cultures: from Mesolithic sites to Bronze Age remains to stone fish fences that were used by the early inhabitants for fishing. The Køkkenmøddinger are particularly interesting - shell heaps made of local oysters that have survived for thousands of years. There is a lot to discover in places like Mahee Island or Rough Island, and at low tide you can even reach Rough Island on foot. If you are up for a little effort, the climb up Scrabo Hill near Newtownards is worth it. From up there you have a magnificent view: Belfast stretches out to the west, the Mourne Mountains to the south, and on a clear day you can see the Ards Peninsula and even the Isle of Man. This hill has a long history - it has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Strangford Lough is not only scenically beautiful, but also an exciting area for anyone interested in archaeology and history. Whether you are interested in nature or history, this tour around the lough is sure to be a memorable one.
1
0
Wikipedia (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%27s_Castle https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%E2%80%99s_Castle Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/audleys-castle-p707501 Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Visit Game of Thrones - Filming Locations, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/visit-game-of-thrones-filming-locations-b147 “… Within the Castle Ward demesne, you can make your way over to Audley's Field where Robb Stark meets Talisa after the battle at Oxcross. …“ #GoT #BattleOfOxcross #WarOfTheFiveKings
2
0
Wikipedia (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%27s_Castle https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%E2%80%99s_Castle Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/audleys-castle-p707501 Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Visit Game of Thrones - Filming Locations, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/visit-game-of-thrones-filming-locations-b147 “… Within the Castle Ward demesne, you can make your way over to Audley's Field where Robb Stark meets Talisa after the battle at Oxcross. …“ #GoT #BattleOfOxcross #WarOfTheFiveKings
3
0
National Trust (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl_SVBg9R8U Wikipedia (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward “… The most interesting aspect of Castle Ward is that of its dual architecture, representing the differing tastes of Lord Bangor and his wife, Lady Ann Bligh. While the entrance side of the building is done in a classical Palladian style with columns supporting a triangular pediment, the opposite side is Georgian Gothic with pointed windows, battlements and finials. …”
2
1
Great place for a run along the coastline.
0
0
Best known for its role as "Winterfell" in Game of Thrones, Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property located in Strangford. With its distinctive blend of classical and gothic styles, the castle and its estate grace the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough. Tours of the castle and estate are available year-round. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward
0
1
Brought to fame due to its appearance in the series "Game of Thrones", Audley's Castle valiantly sits on the shores of Strangford Lough, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
1
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Ardquin?
Ardquin offers a selection of nearly 20 hiking trails, primarily featuring easy to moderate routes. There are no difficult routes recorded in the area, making it accessible for various activity levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Ardquin's hiking trails?
The terrain in Ardquin is generally mild, characterized by gentle elevations, coastal paths, and established parklands. Routes often traverse shorelines and managed grounds, providing a mix of open views and natural paths. You won't find any difficult routes here, making it suitable for a relaxed hiking experience.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Ardquin?
Yes, Ardquin is well-suited for families. Many of the trails are easy to moderate, with 12 out of 19 routes classified as easy. For a gentle exploration, consider the Castle Ward Farm Trail, which is an easy 4.7 km path through agricultural areas and natural surroundings.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Ardquin?
While the guide data doesn't specify dog-friendly policies for each individual trail, many parklands and coastal paths in similar regions are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or the specific estate's rules, such as those for Castle Ward, before heading out with your pet.
What interesting landmarks or sights can I see along the trails in Ardquin?
Ardquin's trails offer views of several interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore historical estates like Castle Ward, and enjoy views of the coastline. Notable points of interest include the Strangford Stone, the scenic Ringhaddy Sound, and the expansive Delamont Country Park. Many trails also offer excellent views of Castle Ward and the Strangford & Lecale AONB.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Ardquin?
Yes, Ardquin features several circular routes. The Castle Ward Hoof Trail is a popular 12.2 km moderate loop that explores the diverse landscapes of the Castle Ward estate. Another option is the Castle Ward Boundary Trail, a 7.7 km loop around the historic estate.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Ardquin?
Ardquin's mild terrain and coastal location make it suitable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the lack of difficult routes means many trails remain accessible, though appropriate gear for potentially wet or chilly conditions is advisable.
Is parking available at the trailheads in Ardquin?
Many hiking areas, especially those around estates like Castle Ward, typically offer designated parking facilities. While specific parking details for every trailhead aren't listed, it's common for popular routes to have convenient access for vehicles.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Ardquin?
The hiking experience in Ardquin is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's accessible coastal paths, the beauty of the estate parklands, and the gentle rolling terrain that makes for enjoyable walks for all abilities.
How long do hikes in Ardquin typically take?
The duration of hikes in Ardquin varies depending on the trail and your pace. For example, the moderate Castle Ward Hoof Trail, at 12.2 km, typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Shorter, easy trails like the Castle Ward Farm Trail (4.7 km) can be completed in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Are there any less crowded trails in Ardquin for a quieter experience?
While specific crowd levels aren't tracked, focusing on trails slightly off the main estate routes or visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings, weekdays) can often lead to a quieter experience. Exploring some of the lesser-known coastal paths might also offer more solitude.
Are there places to eat or drink near the hiking trails in Ardquin?
Given Ardquin's location, particularly around areas like Castle Ward, it's likely you'll find cafes or pubs in nearby towns and villages. While specific establishments aren't listed in the guide data, the region is known for its local hospitality, so options for refreshments should be available within a short drive.
Most popular routes around Ardquin
Most popular attractions around Ardquin
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
