This is a 82 mile (132km ) circular route in and around Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The trail travels through a variety of scenic landscapes along quiet country roads, with some traffic free sections in urban areas. The Ards Peninsula section from Newtownards to Portaferry offers breathtaking Irish Sea coastal views and on a clear day both Scotland and Isle of Man are visible.
The route travels through the fishing village of Portavogie and past the the National Trust protected village of Kearney before continuing to Portaferry . After a short ferry crossing to Strangford village, the trail continues through the National Trust owned Castle Ward Estate along a traffic free path.
The route returns to Newtownards via Downpatrick , an historic town and burial site of Saint Patrick . As the route makes its way up the western shore of Strangford Lough it passes through Killyleagh with its ornate chateau-style Castle. The final leg from Comber to Newtownards travels past Killynether Wood, beneath Scrabo Tower and Country Park with superb panoramic views over Strangford Lough.
Length : 82 miles/ 132 km
Map/ Guides : www.sustransshop.co.uk, also available to purchase at Ards Tourist Centre / Portaferry Tourist Centre / Belfast Welcome Centre / Downpatrick Tourist Centre.
Nearest Tourist information centres:
Ards Tourist Information Centre
(028) 91826846
Portaferry Tourist Information Centre
(028) 42729882
(open April – end August )
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre
(028) 44612233
