The best walks and hikes around Priest Town
4.5
(47)
499
hikers
24
hikes
Hiking trails around Priest Town are primarily found within the Castle Ward estate, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor exploration. The region features a mix of managed parkland, agricultural areas, and coastal paths along Strangford Lough. Hikers can expect varied terrain, including gentle slopes and well-maintained trails suitable for different activity levels.
Best hiking trails around Priest Town
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail, a 7.6 miles (12.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 16…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.7
(13)
50
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)
76
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)
20
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 Priest Town
Tips from the Community
This section feels like a green oasis - the path winds through dense trees that provide cool shade and create the perfect contrast to the warm summer sun. The leaves rustle gently in the wind and there is a peaceful silence that immediately relaxes you. As soon as you leave the forest, the landscape opens up and reveals a view of wide fields that dance like waves in the wind. Here you feel completely connected to nature, a moment to enjoy and take a deep breath before moving on. A real insider tip for a relaxed tour in the countryside!
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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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In a fairly secluded location, Audleystown Wood is a pleasant, forested area with contrasting views of water and land, ideal for a picnic stop during your ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of landscape can I expect when hiking around Priest Town?
Hiking around Priest Town primarily takes you through the diverse landscape of the Castle Ward estate. You'll find a mix of managed parkland, agricultural areas, and scenic coastal paths that run along Strangford Lough. The terrain generally features gentle slopes and well-maintained trails.
How many hiking trails are available around Priest Town?
There are over 20 hiking trails available around Priest Town. The area offers a good mix of routes, with 17 easy trails and 7 moderate options, ensuring there's something for various fitness levels.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Priest Town?
Yes, Priest Town is very welcoming for beginners and families. There are 17 easy routes available, such as the Castle Ward Farm Trail, which is a gentle 2.9-mile path winding through rural scenery within the estate.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Priest Town?
Yes, you can find several circular routes around Priest Town. An example is the Castle Ward – Castle Ward Shore Car Park loop from Portaferry, which offers a moderate 5.3-mile walk with views of the estate and coastline.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the hiking trails?
As you hike, you can explore several interesting landmarks. Within the Castle Ward estate, you might encounter the historic Castle Ward Tower, known as a filming location for Winterfell. Other nearby highlights include Sketrick Castle and the scenic Forest Path Along Strangford Lough.
Are there any hiking trails in Priest Town that offer coastal views?
Absolutely. Many trails in Priest Town incorporate coastal sections along Strangford Lough. The Castle Ward Hoof Trail, for instance, explores the wider estate and provides views of the surrounding countryside, including glimpses of the lough.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Priest Town?
The trails in Priest Town are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, well-maintained paths, and the beautiful blend of parkland, agricultural scenery, and coastal views along Strangford Lough.
Are there options for parking near the hiking trails in Priest Town?
Yes, the Castle Ward estate, where many of the trails are located, offers parking facilities. For example, the Castle Ward – Castle Ward Shore Car Park loop explicitly starts and ends at a car park, indicating convenient access for hikers.
Can I find longer, more challenging hikes in Priest Town?
While Priest Town primarily offers easy to moderate routes, you can find longer options. The Castle Ward Hoof Trail is a moderate 7.6-mile route that takes around 3 hours 16 minutes to complete, providing a good workout while exploring the estate.
Is Priest Town a good place for wildlife spotting during a hike?
Given its location within the Castle Ward estate, which includes parkland, agricultural areas, and coastal sections along Strangford Lough, Priest Town offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local birdlife, especially near the lough, and other common parkland animals.
What is the best time of year to hike in Priest Town?
Priest Town's trails, with their mix of parkland and coastal paths, are enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and milder weather, while autumn brings beautiful colors. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, though conditions can be cooler and wetter, especially along the coast.
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