Walk before the leaves fall
With winter just around the corner and autumn foliage at its peak, a walk down the wondrous greenways and paths dotting County Down is the perfect way to enjoy autumn in its splendour while the leaves are still above you. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy nature’s displays this autumn.
Delamont Country Park
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, Delamont Country Park provides a whooping 7km stretch of scenery and 200 acres of stunning landscape, along with other activities to keep the whole family entertained. Take your pick of parkland, grassland, costal and woodland trails and make your way around the map provided to you at the visitor centre while capturing some breath-taking seasonal scenes.
Castle Ward Boundary Trail
Castle Ward Boundary Trail allows you to travel in style with the options of horse back and cycling along the shore through the autumnal woodland and finally leading you to the beautiful castle of Audley. No one can beat a warm cuppa after a long stroll, so be sure to head into the café situated at your final destination before returning to your relaxing guestroom at Dufferin Coaching Inn.
Portaferry- Windmill Hill
Fancy heading out for the day? Why not take a trip down to Portaferry and learn more about its history while strolling along the two-mile track around the lough. Then take time to visit well known and newly reopened aquarium Exploris for an adventure-filled experience of the deep blue sea. Finally, visit the grounds of Portaferry Castle to complete the full family fun day!
Tobar Mhuire Heritage Trail
The 1.9 mile walk spread over the 55 acre woodland directs you towards the Victorian walled gardens that are soft to anyone’s eye. One of Tobar Mhuire’s main attractions is ‘Mary’s well’, a holy well, that many find spiritually comforting to visit. There is also a breath-taking view of the Mourne Mountains, looking on over County Down’s spectacular landscape which is highlighted by the changing leaves at this time of year.
County Down is blessed with so many gorgeous outdoor strolls to be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Take time this weekend to get outdoors and enjoy our scenery before Jack Frost comes nipping!