Castle Ward - Hoof Trail

Leave the car park and head through farmland on a short two-way section before turning right onto Colonel's Walk. This wide track meanders through woodland for several miles before a single track section that leads through mature trees and the farmland of Tullyratty. Descending to Downpatrick Avenue, there are several places with steep drop-offs to the side. After the short road section, horses must follow way-markers keeping left on entering Mallard Plantation and continuing through woodland. At the top of the woodland, pass through the gate and merge into a multi-use trail with cyclists and walkers approaching. The trail then follows the line of the boundary wall through the West Park, with stunning views across Strangford Lough and Castle Ward Demesne. At the end of this long section, turn left behind the walled garden before entering into woodland. This is a slow zone area. On reaching the Audleystown Road take care crossing the road before heading towards Audley's Castle, through Audley's Wood and then along the shore of Strangford Lough. On reaching the farmyard gates turn left along the shore and follow the grassy track between the boundary wall and the lough. The trail then leads back into the estate through the arched gateway at Coal Quay. Turn left and follow inside the boundary wall until reaching Strangford Avenue, close to the caravan park. Follow the uphill path known as The Screen to reach Ballyculter Gate Lodge, and then follow the historic Colonel's Walk leading along the boundary wall once more. A short two-way section through farmland leads back to the horse car park.

Leave the car park and head through farmland on a short two-way section before turning right onto Colonel's Walk. This wide track meanders through woodland for several miles before a single track section that leads through mature trees and the farmland of Tullyratty. Descending to Downpatrick Avenue, there are several places with steep drop-offs to the side. After the short road section, horses must follow way-markers keeping left on entering Mallard Plantation and continuing through woodland. At the top of the woodland, pass through the gate and merge into a multi-use trail with cyclists and walkers approaching. The trail then follows the line of the boundary wall through the West Park, with stunning views across Strangford Lough and Castle Ward Demesne. At the end of this long section, turn left behind the walled garden before entering into woodland. This is a slow zone area. On reaching the Audleystown Road take care crossing the road before heading towards Audley's Castle, through Audley's Wood and then along the shore of Strangford Lough. On reaching the farmyard gates turn left along the shore and follow the grassy track between the boundary wall and the lough. The trail then leads back into the estate through the arched gateway at Coal Quay. Turn left and follow inside the boundary wall until reaching Strangford Avenue, close to the caravan park. Follow the uphill path known as The Screen to reach Ballyculter Gate Lodge, and then follow the historic Colonel's Walk leading along the boundary wall once more. A short two-way section through farmland leads back to the horse car park.