Strangford and Lecale National Landscape – Coastal Paths, Lough Shores and Rolling Drumlin Hills in County Down

Tidal Shores, Sheltered Inlets, and Gentle Hills Around Strangford Lough

The Strangford and Lecale National Landscape — Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies in County Down in south-east Northern Ireland, centred on Strangford Lough and the Lecale peninsula. Shaped by self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places, the area links the Lecale Way and shoreline paths with settlements including Strangford, Portaferry, Downpatrick, Ardglass, and Killough across a varied setting of tidal mudflats, small harbours, drumlin hills, pasture, and quiet coastal roads.

Walking here is shaped by gentler terrain and sheltered waters rather than steep or exposed ground. The surface alternates between firm coastal tracks, grassy field paths, minor lanes, and shoreline sections along sand, shingle, and estuary edge. Gradients are generally low, with short rises over rounded hills and steady progress across farmland and low cliffs.

Named routes provide structure to movement through the landscape. The Lecale Way forms a circular long-distance route linking Downpatrick, Strangford, Ardglass, and the Lecale coast, combining inland lanes with shoreline sections. Around Strangford Lough, additional paths follow the water’s edge, connecting small villages, quays, and nature reserves. Together, these routes allow both circular journeys and shorter day walks between settlements.

Walking in Strangford and Lecale is defined by rhythm and enclosure. Paths follow the edges of tidal creeks and sheltered bays, pass through hedged farmland, and climb low hills that open views across the lough and toward the Mourne Mountains. The landscape feels settled and lived-in, shaped by fishing, farming, and centuries of small-scale rural use.

Shoreline walking forms a natural focus across the area. Around Strangford and Portaferry, routes trace ferry crossings, harbours, and tidal flats rich in birdlife. On the Lecale peninsula, paths and quiet roads link Killough, Ardglass, and Ballyhornan beneath low cliffs and open pasture. Inland, gentle hills around Downpatrick and Castle Ward provide elevated views and wooded estate walking close to the water.

Seasonal change strongly influences the experience. Spring and summer bring active birdlife and greener pasture around the lough, autumn introduces softer light and quieter paths, and winter exposes wide tidal flats and open skies across the sheltered inlet.

Beyond walking, the landscape supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows minor rural roads and coastal lanes, kayaking and sailing take place on the sheltered waters of Strangford Lough, and wildlife watching is common around wetlands and mudflats. The area rewards unhurried travel and close observation of tide and light.

Accommodation and services are spread through Strangford, Portaferry, Downpatrick, Ardglass, and nearby villages, with bus connections from Belfast and Newry. This makes the area practical for staged or car-free walking journeys between settlements.

For walkers seeking low-lying coastal routes, sheltered waterside paths, and a connected network of villages and farmland landscapes, the Strangford and Lecale National Landscape offers a calm and accessible setting shaped by water, history, and everyday rural life.

Where to Walk and Explore

Lecale Way

‍‍A circular long-distance route linking Downpatrick, Strangford, Ardglass, and the Lecale peninsula on a mix of lanes, farmland paths, and shoreline sections.

Strangford Lough Shore Paths

‍‍Gentle walking along tidal inlets, quays, and nature reserves with views across the lough.

Castle Ward Estate

‍‍Woodland, shoreline, and parkland trails overlooking Strangford Lough near Strangford village.

Ardglass to Killough Coast

‍‍Low cliff and coastal lane walking between small fishing harbours and open pasture.

Downpatrick & Drumlin Hills

‍‍Rolling inland routes across rounded hills with views toward the lough and the Mourne Mountains.

Landscape Highlights

• Long-distance walking on the Lecale Way
• Sheltered shoreline routes around Strangford Lough
• Drumlin hills and gently rolling farmland
• Fishing harbours, quays, and historic coastal villages
• Wetlands and tidal flats rich in birdlife
• Quiet rural lanes suited to cycling and linking walks
• Ferry and bus connections supporting car-free journeys