The best walks and hikes around Tara
4.7
(35)
394
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Tara offers routes that explore coastal paths and parkland trails. The region is characterized by walks along the shore of Strangford Lough and through the grounds of the Castle Ward estate. The terrain is generally gentle, with low hills and accessible paths suitable for a range of fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Tara
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale, a 7.6 miles (12.2 km) trail that takes around…
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 Tara
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
Are the hiking trails around Tara suitable for families with children?
Yes, many trails are family-friendly. For a shorter, easier walk, consider the Castle Ward Shore Trail — Strangford & Lecale. It's a pleasant 2.9-mile (4.7 km) walk through parkland that's manageable for most ages and abilities.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in the Castle Ward estate?
Dogs are welcome in many areas of the Castle Ward estate, but they must be kept on a lead at all times to protect wildlife and livestock. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions on the paths you choose to explore.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are excellent circular routes. The Castle Ward & Audley's Castle loop — Strangford is a great option, offering a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) circuit that combines woodland paths with views of the historic castle and lough.
What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes around Tara?
The region is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and historic parkland. Hikes often feature paths along the shore of Strangford Lough, trails through the grounds of the Castle Ward estate, and gentle woodland walks. You'll encounter a mix of shoreline views, mature forests, and open fields.
Are there any easy hikes for beginners?
Definitely. The area has numerous easy trails. A great choice for a gentle walk is the Kearney coastal walk — Strangford & Lecale. It's a relatively flat 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route that offers lovely coastal views without much strenuous climbing.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Tara?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful views of Strangford Lough, and the mix of woodland and coastal scenery within the Castle Ward estate.
Is there a longer, more challenging hike I can do?
For a more substantial hike, the Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale is a moderate 7.6-mile (12.2 km) route. It explores the wider estate on varied paths and takes over 3 hours to complete, offering a good challenge for those looking for a longer day out.
Are there any historical sites to see along the trails?
Yes, the area is rich in history. Many trails pass by or offer views of Audley's Castle, a 15th-century tower house. The entire Castle Ward estate itself is a major historical attraction, and you'll find interesting architectural and landscape features throughout your walk.
What is the terrain like on the trails?
The terrain is generally gentle and accessible. You can expect a mix of gravel paths, woodland trails, and grassy tracks. While there are some low hills, most routes avoid steep, difficult climbs, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
How many hiking trails are available around Tara?
There are nearly 20 marked hiking routes to explore in the area. These range from short, easy strolls along the lough to more moderate, longer loops through the estate grounds, providing plenty of options for a day of hiking.
Where can I park to access the trails?
The main access point for these trails is the Castle Ward estate, which has dedicated visitor parking. It's best to start from the main car park, as this provides easy access to the trailheads for most of the popular routes in the area. A parking or entrance fee may apply.
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