The best walks and hikes around Ballywierd
4.4
(38)
411
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Ballywierd offers a selection of trails through varied landscapes, including parkland and coastal areas. The region features routes with gentle elevations, suitable for different activity levels. These Ballywierd walking routes provide opportunities to explore the local environment.
Best hiking trails around Ballywierd
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail, a 7.6 miles (12.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 16 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores the Castle Ward estate.
- Another top favourite…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.6
(11)
50
hikers
12.2km
03:17
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(3)
75
hikers
4.66km
01:15
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
26
hikers
7.74km
02:05
100m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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)
20
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 Ballywierd
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
How many hiking trails are there in Ballywierd?
Ballywierd offers a selection of nearly 20 hiking trails. These routes traverse varied landscapes, including parkland and coastal areas, catering to different activity levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on Ballywierd's hiking trails?
The hiking trails around Ballywierd feature a mix of parkland and coastal areas. You can expect routes with gentle elevations, offering diverse scenery from estate grounds to shoreline paths.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Ballywierd?
Yes, Ballywierd has several easy hiking trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Castle Ward Farm Trail is an easy 4.6 km route, and the Kearney coastal walk — Strangford & Lecale offers a gentle 5.6 km coastal path.
Are there any circular walks around Ballywierd?
Yes, many of the trails in Ballywierd are designed as circular routes. An example is the Castle Ward – Castle Ward Shore Car Park loop from Portaferry, which is a moderate 8.5 km loop.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see while hiking in Ballywierd?
While hiking in Ballywierd, you can explore historical sites and scenic spots. Notable attractions include the Castle Ward Tower (a filming location for Winterfell), Audley's Castle, and the Forest Path Along Strangford Lough.
Is there parking available near the hiking trails in Ballywierd?
Yes, parking is available at various trailheads. For instance, the Castle Ward Shore Car Park provides convenient access to several routes in the area.
How can I reach the hiking trails in Ballywierd using public transport?
While specific public transport routes to every trailhead may vary, the Strangford Ferry Terminal serves as a key public transport hub in the region, potentially offering connections to areas near some hiking routes.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Ballywierd?
The hiking experience in Ballywierd is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from coastal paths to parkland trails, and the well-maintained routes.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Ballywierd?
Given the mix of parkland and coastal trails, Ballywierd is generally suitable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours for exploration.
Are Ballywierd's hiking trails suitable for families?
Yes, many of Ballywierd's trails are suitable for families. The region offers routes with gentle elevations and varying distances, including easy options like the Castle Ward Farm Trail, which are ideal for outings with children.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Ballywierd?
Many trails in Ballywierd are dog-friendly, particularly those in parkland and coastal areas. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and follow local guidelines, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock.
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