Cycling - Discover Northern Ireland

Strangford Lough
Circular Cycle Trail
Route Type:
Circular
Strangford Lough Cycle Trail
Daily boat trips during July
and August. Throughout
the year on request only
A21 to Bangor
< Be
Lecale Way
Donaghadee
Viewpoint
A48
A2
Advice:
Tarmac roads,
some hilly sections
Bangor
lfast
Things to See:
Strangford Lough, Castle
Ward Demesne, Down
Cathedral, The Saint Patrick
Centre, Saul Church, Inch
Abbey, Delamont Country
Holywood
Park, Killyleagh Castle,
Exploris, Castle Espie.
Copeland
Islands
A2
Crawfordsburn
Take an unforgettable coastal route with panoramic views
of Strangford Lough and cultural sites along the way.
Distance:
82 Miles
Trails
Groomsport
www.cycleni.com
For more information on cycling, visit:
visitstrangfordlough.co.uk
leavenotraceireland.org
For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/VisitStrangfordLough
p www.outdoorconcepts.co.uk
Outdoor Concepts
Ballynahinch
S028 9043 7048
k info@outdoorconcepts.co.uk
www.twitter.com/VisitStrangford
p www.mournecycletours.com
Experience Strangford Lough time and time again, finding something for
all the family as you watch nature take its course throughout the seasons.
Mourne Cycle Tours
S028 4372 4348
S077 1061 5020
k mourne.cycle@which.net
...and its wealth of fantastic attractions and stunning array of natural beauty.
Take time out to enjoy the natural events happening in the area throughout the year.
Immerse yourself in the calm and inspirational colours of summer, during a walk
at one of our wonderful National Trust properties or let the wind soar through the
kids’ hair as you take a fabulous boat trip on the Lough.
p www.kayakshack.co.uk
Mike The Bike
S028 9181 1311
k kayakshack@ymail.com
Welcome to
Strangford Lough…
p www.irondonkey.com
Millisle
A20 to
Belfas
Newtownards
t
Scrabo
Tower
A2
From Comber, the route moves towards Scrabo Tower and
Newtownards before following the rolling country roads
towards Ballyhalbert on the coast. Cycling southwards on the
coast road pass through the fishing village of Portavogie and
Cloughey towards Ballyquinton Point and back into Portaferry.
Just off the shorefront is Exploris Aquarium, a fascinating
introduction to the wildlife of Strangford Lough for all ages.
Carrowdore
A2
2
Cross the surging Narrows on the ferry to Strangford village
and enjoy the exhilarating scenery.
0
A2
A2
Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring
S028 9081 3200
k info@irondonkey.com
p www.clearsky-adventure.com
Clearsky Adventure Centre
S028 4372 3933
k fun@clearsky-adventure.com
If this guide has inspired you to have a go whilst
in the Strangford Lough area, the following are
contacts who can get you out onto the trails:
Hire
Information
arr
oC
3t
Cycle through Strangford village, through Castle Ward
demesne and along the shoreline track. Pass through Saul,
where you can see Slieve Patrick and Saul Church, a replica
of St Patrick’s first Church in Ireland, onto Downpatrick
where you can visit St Patrick’s Grave in the grounds of Down
Cathedral, Down County Museum or The Saint Patrick Centre.
On the bike again, leave Downpatrick and head towards
Killyleagh, passing Delamont Country Park where the views of
Strangford Lough really begin.
ff /
ydu
Ballywalter
st
lfa
Be
Ballydrain
Lisbane
Ballygowan
Kircubbin
Balloo
Cloughey
Killyleagh
Crossgar
Kearney
The Lecale district of County Down, made famous in song by
Van Morrison, is criss-crossed with a network of roads most
of which are nearly traffic free. At 37 miles this route may
appear long but it can easily be reduced by taking any one
of the many alternative roads. The route meanders through
an area abundant in pre-historic and more recent buildings
and artefacts. Start in Downpatrick close to Down Cathedral,
passing close to the Racecourse and tranquil Ballydugan
Lake before reaching Loughinisland and its historic ruined
churches, which can only be reached by a causeway.
Portaferry
2
A2
Delamont
Country Park
Strangford
A25
Slieve
Patrick
Ballyquintin
Point
Downpatrick
Castle Ward – Boundary Trail
Castle Ward – Farm Trail
Castle Ward – Shore Trail
Castle Ward – Woodland Trail
Contents
h
< Cloug
A2
B1
Strangford – Portaferry
Clough
Departs on the hour and half hour.
Portaferry – Strangford
25 and quarter to the hour.
Departs at quarterApast
S 028 4488 1637
76
B1
All Maps In This Document: This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the
permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.
80
B1
The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to
ensure accuracy. However, Ards Borough Council and Down District Council cannot accept
responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss,
disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in
this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned,
or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. ©2013.
A5
0
A2
Dundrum
9128
(seasonal office Easter – end August)
Portaferry Tourist Information
& Visitor Centre
The Stables, Castle Street
PORTAFERRY
BT22 1NZ
S028 4272 9882
k tourism.portaferry@ards-council.gov.uk
Strangford Lough
Ferry Service
–
Sailings every
30 minutes
B1
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre
The Saint Patrick Centre,
53a Market Street
DOWNPATRICK
BT30 6LZ
S028 4461 2233
k downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk
A2
Advice:
Public Roads. Can be reduced
by alternative routes
A7
Ards Tourist Information Centre
31 Regent Street
NEWTOWNARDS
BT23 4AD
S028 9182 6846
k tourism@ards-council.gov.uk
A22
B6
Re-crossing the A25, you pass close to the mysterious
Ballynoe Stone Circles before reaching the coast at
Ballyhornan and its golden beach. Follow the shoreline north
to Kilclief Castle, a 15th Century structure which is open to
the public and is also the earliest tower-house in Lecale. The
route then turns inland and then southwards through the
villages of Ballyculter and Ballycruttle before turning back
towards Downpatrick.
For more information contact any of the
following Visitor Information Centres:
Portavogie
Things to See:
Loughinisland Historic
Churches, Ballynoe Stone
Circle, Kilclief Castle.
Route Type:
Circular
An essential route guide helping
you navigate Strangford Lough.
73
A20
Take the Lecale Route to stone circles, ruined churches on
tranquil causeways and a 15th Century castle all against a
golden coastal backdrop.
B1
Strangford
Lough
Killinchy
< Saintfield
Distance:
37 Miles
Ballyhalbert
A21
Comber Greenway
Whiterock & Mahee Island
Portaferry
?
Strangford Lough Trail
Lecale Trail
A7
Lecale
B5
Greyabbey
Castle Espie
A2
A detailed map
on the route is
available to pu
rcha
from the VISITO se
R
INFORMATION
CENTRES.
B178
A20
Sketrick Island and Nendrum Monastery, just off the route
offer fascinating ruins and incredible views of the Lough for
photos. Just before returning to Comber, call into Castle Espie
Wildlife and Wetlands Centre to round off an unforgettable
bike journey.
Cycle Trail
Cycling
Island
Hill
A21
Comber
A2
A2
< Newcastle
Ardglass
Killough
2 miles
This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the
permission of Land & Property Services under delegated
authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,
© Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.
Castle Ward Trails
Castle Ward Trails
Castle Ward Trails
Castle Ward Trails
Castle Ward – Boundary Trail
Castle Ward – Farm Trail
Castle Ward – Shore Trail
Castle Ward – Woodland Trail
Starting in the Shore Car Park, cross the Audleystown Road. The trail leads firstly through woodland before
heading through West Park - an area of historic farmland. Back into the woodland at Mallard Plantation, the
trail branches left downhill. After crossing Downpatrick Avenue and a short 100m section on road, the trail
leads left into Tullyratty, an area of farmland designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest due to the
species rich grassland. Back into the woodland of Mountain Wood, follow the singletrack trail to Base Camp.
Starting in the Shore Car Park, this circular trail leads along the shore of Strangford Lough and then
around Audley’s Castle, a striking 15th Century castle, through the surrounding woodland. After crossing
Audleystown Road, the trail leads firstly through woodland and then some open fields.
This wide flat linear trail is suitable for all abilities. The trail has a smooth consistent surface and no physical
barriers. As it is ‘multi-use’, as well as other cyclists, expect horses and walkers and a range of other users.
Experience the 800 acre coastal, historic landscape through the myriad of off-road woodland trails and tracks.
Savour spectacular views over Strangford Lough and towards the Mountains of Mourne and look out for
buzzards and Irish Hare. From the main Castle Ward car park cycle down the main avenue with the mansion
house on your left.
After crossing the bridge continue on more single track, meandering through woods and fields to reach
the main entrance to the property. Continue through the historic grounds of Windmill Plantation and cross
Church Walk with a view of Castle Ward House to the left. The trail then leads down through the Deer Park
on the final singletrack descent to Strangford Avenue and the Shore Car Park.
Distance:
8.1 miles
Route Type:
Circular
Advice:
The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths and
narrow, twisting single track. Two road crossings and a short 100m
(max.) section on public road.
Things to See:
Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard, Audley’s Castle &
Castle Ward House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough, areas
of farmland and woodland.
Comber Greenway
After passing the back of the old walled garden with its high red brick wall, keep left and follow the trail
through a short singletrack section through woodland. The trail then leads along an old farm track, before
turning left downhill and through an underpass. Turn left onto the final descent, a twisting singletrack trail
through the dense laurel. Turn right to reach the Shore Car Park.
Distance:
2.5 Miles
Route Type:
Circular
Advice:
The trail has an even surface throughout. A mix of wide, flat paths
and two short sections of narrow, twisting singletrack. There is one
road crossing.
Take the trail leading from Castle Ward Farm yard towards Audley’s Quay. On reaching Audley’s Quay, a
scenic point named for the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th Century,
users should turn and retrace their steps back to the Farm Yard.
Distance:
1.2 Miles
Route Type:
Linear
Things to See:
Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard, Audley’s Castle &
Castle Ward House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough, areas
of farmland and woodland.
Advice:
This trail has a smooth, flat surface. It is at least 1.5m wide at all
times. There is a turning circle at the end of the trail.
Things to See:
Historical built heritage including the Farm Yard and Castle Ward
House. Natural heritage including Strangford Lough and its wildlife.
Whiterock & Mahee Island
Just before the entrance gates turn right onto Colonel’s Walk. Climb up through the woodland and pause to
enjoy the view towards the Mournes at the top. Carry on past some freshwater ponds until you come to the
old Gamekeeper’s Cottage (now ‘Base Camp’ used for groups). Choose an alternative trail to take you west
through Mountain Wood from where Strangford Lough comes into view. Descend the gravel path to a quaint
Victorian Gate Lodge. Turn right, with open farmland and the estate wall visible to your left and follow the
rough, stone road back to the car park.
Distance:
3.5 Miles
Route Type:
Circular
Advice:
Mostly woodland floor and gravel tracks. Main Avenue is tarmac.
Trails may be boggy in wet weather.
Things to See:
Views over Strangford Lough, an eccentric 18th Century
mansion house, Irish hares.
Portaferry
Comber Greenway
Whiterock & Mahee Island
Portaferry
The Comber Greenway is a 7 mile predominantly traffic free section of the National Cycle
Network developed by Sustrans along the old Belfast to Comber railway line. The path
was opened in November 2008 and provides a tranquil green corridor all the way from
the heart of East Belfast to the small town of Comber, home of Thomas Andrews (designer
of the RMS Titanic) with views of Parliament Buildings at Stormont, Scrabo Tower, the
Harland & Wolff cranes and the Belfast Hills along the way.
This 20 mile route along the western shores of Strangford Lough and drumlin country rewards cyclists with
some of the finest views of the Lough to be had from a bicycle. Unexpected inlets appear magically, usually
with their attendant flocks of waterfowl, while seals are often spotted resting on the rocky shoreline. From
Comber the route passes Castle Espie Wetland Centre, home for many migrating Brent Geese in October, and
cyclists can soon make a 7 mile detour towards Mahee Island and the Nendrum monastic site.
This 22 mile circular route based at Portaferry links the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough to the sometimes
exhilarating beaches of the Irish Sea with views of the Isle of Man on a clear day. The quiet roads on the
southern end of the peninsula are ideal for a carefree cycle with minimum disruption from vehicles, whilst
the many sandy beaches are ideal for a picnic by the sea. Following the shoreline north of Portaferry, the
route turns inland toward Kirkistown and reaches the Irish Sea at Cloughey with its expansive beach.
Keeping the sea on your left you will arrive, after a short detour, at the National Trust village of Kearney with
its beautifully preserved collection of white washed cottages and houses. You then continue towards the
southernmost point of the peninsula, Ballyquintin Point, before returning to Portaferry close to The Narrows
where spectacular tidal races can be seen twice a day. A regular ferry service (bikes are carried free) links to
the village of Strangford on the other side of the Lough.
The traffic free route is suited to both leisure walking and cycling and is also a haven for
wildlife, with areas of nature conservation such as the River Enler.
You leave the shoreline after Whiterock and turn inland where farming is the main industry, with some of the
roads at times demonstrating this! Passing through the hamlet of Kilmood, with its fine church, you follow
the ridge high above Lisbane from where the Lough can be seen off to one side before rejoining the outward
route back to Comber.
The route begins at Dee Street in East Belfast and passes by the CS Lewis statue at
the Holywood Arches and it travels onwards to Dundonald. The route continues from
Comber Road, Dundonald past the Billy Neill Centre for Soccer Excellence where the
former railway line runs near to the Enler River. Walkers and cyclists can cross the Enler
River and farm lanes using a series of reinstated bridges before reaching the Belfast Road,
from where the route follows into Comber. Comber is a good base for exploring the nearby
Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre and is also worth visiting for its cafes and
designer/maker studios.
All Maps In This Document:
This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land &
Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s
Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.
Distance:
7 Miles
Advice:
A predominantly traffic free section of the National Cycle Network.
Distance:
20 or 27 Miles
Route Type:
Linear
Things to See:
Doghouse Gallery, St Mary’s Church, Discovery Glass, Castle Espie,
cafes and restaurants. Why not download the Comber Andrews–Titanic
Walking Tour from visitstrangfordlough.co.uk to enable you to learn more
about this historic town?
Route Type:
Circular
Advice:
Terrain rating is classed as medium moving along public
roads with some climbs.
Things to See:
Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, Nendrum Monastic Site,
Mahee Island, Sketrick Castle, Tullynakill Church
Distance:
22 Miles
Route Type:
Circular
Advice:
The terrain is rated as medium and may prove challenging in some
sections with a few sections to climb.
Things to See:
Cloughey, with its expansive beach. Kearney, National Trust village,
with pretty whitewashed cottages and houses. Ballyquintin Point, the
most southermost point of the Peninsula.