The best walks and hikes around Drumardan Quarter
4.7
(32)
343
hikers
16
hikes
Hiking trails near Drumardan Quarter primarily feature routes through estate parklands and along coastal areas. The landscape is characterized by a mix of managed grounds and shoreline paths, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities. These trails generally present gentle elevation changes, making them accessible for different fitness levels. The region provides opportunities to explore both inland and coastal environments.
Best hiking trails around Drumardan Quarter
- 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…
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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…
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
5.59km
01:25
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. 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.
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Popular around Drumardan Quarter
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
What types of hiking trails can I find in Drumardan Quarter?
Hiking trails in Drumardan Quarter primarily feature routes through estate parklands and along coastal areas. You'll find a mix of managed grounds and shoreline paths, offering varied terrain. The landscape generally has gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
How many hiking routes are available in Drumardan Quarter?
There are over 15 hiking routes available in Drumardan Quarter. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, catering to different preferences.
What are the typical difficulty levels for hikes in Drumardan Quarter?
The majority of hikes in Drumardan Quarter are classified as easy, with 11 routes falling into this category. There are also 5 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult routes listed.
Are there any circular walks in Drumardan Quarter?
Yes, there are circular walks available. For example, the Castle Ward – Castle Ward Shore Car Park loop from Portaferry is a moderate 8.6 km (5.3 miles) route that takes approximately 2 hours 17 minutes to complete.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Drumardan Quarter?
The trails in Drumardan Quarter are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from nearly 30 reviews. Over 300 hikers have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the varied terrain of coastal paths and estate grounds.
Are the hiking trails in Drumardan Quarter suitable for families?
Many of the trails, particularly the easy-rated routes through estate parklands, are suitable for families. The gentle elevation changes and managed paths make them accessible for various ages. The Castle Ward Farm Trail is an easy option that could be enjoyable for families.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Drumardan Quarter?
While specific regulations for each trail may vary, generally, dogs are welcome on many outdoor trails in the UK, often requiring them to be kept on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or the specific route details for any restrictions before heading out with your dog.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the trails?
You can explore several interesting landmarks. The Castle Ward Tower, known as a filming location, and Audley's Castle are notable historical sites. You might also encounter the Forest Path Along Strangford Lough, offering scenic views.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
Yes, parking is available. For instance, the Castle Ward Shore Car Park is a designated parking area that serves as a starting point for several routes in the Castle Ward estate.
Are there any coastal hiking options in Drumardan Quarter?
Absolutely. The region is known for its coastal paths. The Kearney coastal walk — Strangford & Lecale is a popular 5.6 km (3.5 miles) trail that leads through beautiful coastal landscapes.
What is the longest moderate hike in Drumardan Quarter?
The longest moderate hike is the Castle Ward Hoof Trail, which spans 12.2 km (7.6 miles) and typically takes around 3 hours 16 minutes to complete.
Can I access the hiking trails using public transport?
Information regarding specific public transport links directly to the trailheads in Drumardan Quarter is not readily available. It is advisable to check local transport schedules or consider driving to access most hiking starting points.
Most popular routes around Drumardan Quarter
Most popular attractions around Drumardan Quarter
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