The best walks and hikes around Ballyherly
4.5
(47)
495
hikers
19
hikes
Hikes around Ballyherly explore the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. The region is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by a mix of coastal paths, pastoral farmland, and pockets of woodland. Many routes offer views across the lough and pass historical sites such as Audley's Castle and the Castle Ward estate.
Best hiking trails around Ballyherly
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale, a 7.6 mile (12.2 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 15 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows paths around the Castle Ward estate.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Castle Ward & Audley's Castle loop — Strangford, a moderate 4.8 mile (7.7 km) path. The trail combines woodland sections with open views of Strangford Lough.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Castle Ward Shore Trail — Strangford & Lecale, a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) trail leading along the water's edge, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Ballyherly is defined by shoreline paths, quiet country roads, and trails through historic estates. The network of Ballyherly walking trails offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Ballyherly are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 450 hikers have used komoot to explore Ballyherly's varied terrain.
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.
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 Ballyherly
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 there any dog-friendly walking trails near Ballyherly?
Yes, many trails in the Ballyherly area are suitable for walking with a dog, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near farmland and wildlife reserves. The paths around the Castle Ward estate are popular with dog walkers. Always be mindful of local signage regarding dogs.
What are some good family-friendly hikes in the area?
For an easy walk that's great for families, consider the Castle Ward Shore Trail — Strangford & Lecale. It's a relatively short and flat path along the water's edge, offering lovely views of Strangford Lough without much strenuous climbing.
Can I find circular or looped walks around Ballyherly?
Yes, looped walks are common in the region. A great example is the Castle Ward & Audley's Castle loop — Strangford, which combines woodland paths and shoreline sections into a satisfying circular route.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the coastal paths?
The coastal paths around Ballyherly feature a beautiful mix of tranquil inlets, rocky shores, and expansive views across Strangford Lough towards the Ards Peninsula. You'll also walk through pastoral farmland and small pockets of woodland, offering a varied landscape.
Are there any hikes that include historical sites?
Absolutely. The area is rich in history. The Audley's Castle – Castle Ward loop from Strangford is a moderate hike that takes you directly past the 15th-century Audley's Castle and through the historic Castle Ward estate.
How many hiking trails are available around Ballyherly?
There are nearly 20 hiking routes to explore around Ballyherly. These range from easy shoreline strolls to more moderate estate trails, offering plenty of options for different fitness levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Ballyherly?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views of Strangford Lough and the well-maintained paths through historic estates like Castle Ward.
Are there any particularly challenging hikes in the area?
Most hikes around Ballyherly are rated as easy or moderate, focusing on scenic beauty rather than difficult ascents. For a longer, more demanding walk, you could try the Castle Ward Hoof Trail — Strangford & Lecale, which covers over 7.5 miles (12 km).
What wildlife might I see while hiking near Strangford Lough?
Strangford Lough is a marine nature reserve, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for seabirds, waders, and wildfowl along the coast. The woodlands and farmlands are also home to diverse native flora and fauna.
Where can I find a pub or cafe after my hike?
While the trailheads themselves are in natural settings, the nearby village of Strangford has several pubs and cafes where you can relax and get refreshments after your walk. It's just a short drive from the main walking areas like the Castle Ward estate.
What are the parking options for the main hiking trails?
The most popular trails, particularly those within the Castle Ward estate, have dedicated car parks. It's recommended to arrive early on weekends and holidays as these spots can fill up quickly. Always park responsibly and avoid blocking gateways or narrow country roads.
Are there any trails with good viewpoints for photos?
Many routes offer fantastic photo opportunities. The View of Castle Ward Main House – Audley's Castle loop from Strangford provides excellent perspectives of both the historic house and the surrounding lough, making it a rewarding choice for photographers.
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