The best walks and hikes around Ballyphilip
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Hiking around Ballyphilip offers routes that explore the shores of Strangford Lough and the grounds of the Castle Ward estate. The area is characterized by woodland paths, gentle shoreline trails, and rolling hills with low elevation. These hikes provide views across the lough and feature historical points of interest, including Audley's Castle.
Best hiking trails around Ballyphilip
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale, a 7.6 mile (12.2 km) trail that takes…
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…
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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…
5.0
(2)
18
hikers
8.57km
02:17
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballyphilip
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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. …”
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Great place for a run along the coastline.
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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
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Ballyphilip?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. A great option is the Castle Ward Shore Trail — Strangford & Lecale. It's a relatively short walk of about 4.7 km that follows the water's edge through woodland, making it manageable for little legs.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a lead, especially within the Castle Ward estate and near farmland. The paths through Corrog Wood are a good choice for a woodland walk with your dog, offering a pleasant and reasonably short stroll.
What are the best hikes for views of Strangford Lough?
For excellent views across the lough, consider the Castle Ward & Audley's Castle loop — Strangford. This route combines woodland paths with open sections that provide scenic vistas of the water and the historic Audley's Castle.
Are there any circular or loop walks available?
Yes, most of the popular routes are loops. For a longer day out, the Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale is a moderate 12.2 km circular trail that takes you through the varied landscapes of the Castle Ward estate.
Where can I find a trail that includes historical sites?
To combine hiking with history, the Audley's Castle – Castle Ward loop from Strangford is an excellent choice. This trail prominently features the 15th-century Audley's Castle, offering great views and a chance to explore the area's heritage.
What do other hikers enjoy about the Ballyphilip area?
The trails around Ballyphilip are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful mix of woodland and shoreline paths, the stunning views across Strangford Lough, and the well-maintained trails within the Castle Ward estate.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 20 hiking routes to explore around Ballyphilip. These range from easy shoreline strolls to more moderate loops through the grounds of the Castle Ward estate, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.
Are there any good woodland walks nearby?
Absolutely. For a dedicated woodland experience, Nugent's Wood in nearby Portaferry is a popular choice. It features a lovely path with views of the Lough and charming wood carvings scattered along the trail, making for a magical stroll.
What is the terrain like on the hikes around Ballyphilip?
The hiking is generally characterized by gentle, rolling drumlin hills with low elevation. You'll encounter a mix of well-defined woodland paths, shoreline trails, and estate tracks. Most routes are considered easy to moderate, with no difficult or mountainous climbs.
Where can I find a trail with views of the Castle Ward Main House?
The View of Castle Ward Main House – Audley's Castle loop from Strangford is specifically designed to provide great perspectives of the historic house. This moderate loop takes you through the estate, offering scenic viewpoints of both the mansion and the lough.
Is there parking available for the main trails?
Yes, the main starting point for many hikes is the Castle Ward estate, which has designated car parks for visitors. It's recommended to arrive at the main Castle Ward entrance, from which you can easily access the network of trails.
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