Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

Mountains. By joining the Mourne
Trail in Newcastle you can
continue along all the way to
Rostrevor.
The village of Raholp at the start
of the route has strong associations
with St Patrick, Ireland’s patron
saint. It’s believed he landed on the
shores of nearby Strangford Lough,
and in 432AD, established Ireland’s
first church near Raholp. This is
also one of the highest spots in
Lecale, and on a clear day it makes
a fine vantage point from which to
preview the route ahead.
From Raholp your way lies to the
east, and it’s not long before you
enter the grounds of Castle Ward
Estate. A short detour from the
Above: View of the Mournes
route allows you to take in
Audleystown Cairn, one of the
most important Neolithic sites in
Northern Ireland. Paths and riding
tracks are then followed past
Audley’s Castle, a fifteenth century
towerhouse, to the grounds of
Castle Ward itself. The grounds of
the estate provide ample walking
opportunity.
The Lecale Way leaves the estate
and winds through pleasant
woodland on the shores of
Castleward Bay towards the village
of Strangford, situated right at the
mouth of Strangford Lough. The
name is derived from the Norse
Strangfjiord, meaning ‘strong fiord’.
Huge swirls, eddies and whirlpools
form as millions of tons of water
are forced through this constricted
passage with every passing tide.
From Strangford the route turns
south and follows the coast towards
Ardglass. The initial section along
the main road is scenic, but you
can take the bus for a few miles if
you want to avoid the traffic.
Quieter lanes then lead past Mill
Quarter Bay and Killard Nature
Reserve before reaching the beach
and village of Ballyhornan. It’s
worth keeping an eye out for
common and grey seals, which are
commonly seen basking on the
rocks. You’re almost certain to spot
cormorants and shags perched on
isolated outcrops with wings
stretched out to dry. And in
summer the coastal meadows are
alive with birds and wild flowers,
including orchids.
Just south of Ballyhornan
Harbour, the Ballyhornan Coastal
Path begins. For much of the way
this is little more than an informal,
grassy path leading along the tops
of the low cliffs and around
secluded coves. There are great
views over Gun Island, which can
be reached on foot at spring low
tides. The island was apparently
named after a cannon from a
shipwreck was washed up on its
shores. This is one of the wildest
stretches of coastline in County
Down and a real pleasure to walk
at any time of year. There is a
palpable sense of isolation, even
though you’re only a few kilometres
walk… Lecale Way
from the nearest village.
The coastal path ends near St
Patrick’s Well, which is marked by a
wooden cross and enclosure. Quiet
roads then lead into Ardglass, a
lovely fishing village founded by
the Normans and still centred
around a deep natural harbour.
Ardglass, or the village of Killough
a short distance further along the
coast, make a perfect place to stop
for the night.
From Killough the Lecale Way
heads south along the Killough
Coastal Path to reach St John’s
Point, resplendent with its striking
black-and-yellow-striped
lighthouse. The route then turns
west past Ringhaddy, Ringboy and
Minerstown, to the beautiful sands
of Tyrella Beach. This is also where
the Mourne Mountains dominate
the views ahead ‘sweeping down to
the sea’, as it says in the famous
Percy French song.
The roads are now left behind
again as you round Dundrum
Inner Bay and head south along the
Dundrum Coastal Path. It’s not far
now to the village of Dundrum,
dominated by de Courcy’s Castle.
The final stage takes you into
Murlough National Nature
Reserve, a 5,000-year-old dune
system of international importance.
There’s a choice of routes through
the reserve; you can either follow
the paths through the extensive
heath and grassland, or stay on the
beach. The reserve is a great place
to visit in its own right for a couple
of hours of walking – see page 23.
The Lecale Way finishes by taking
you along Newcastle Beach, with
the magnificent dome of Slieve
Donard and the promenade of
Newcastle town beckoning you on
to the finish.
The Lecale Way G4–F5
Starting Point: Newcastle
Distance: 43.4km
Maps & Books: ‘Lecale Way: An
Illustrated Guide To Walking the Lecale
Way’. OSNI sheet: 21/29
www.waymarkedways.com
Facilities: Parking: at Cloghy,
Tyrella, Murlough, Newcastle. Toilets:
Available
discovernorthernireland.com
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