Castle Ward Clocktower Traditional Geocache
Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.
Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.
Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)
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This is a traditional cache placed in The National Trust’s historical location Castle Ward.
Situated just outside Strangford, approx. 7 miles from Downpatrick in Co Down, Castle Ward is an 820- acre walled demesne with breathtaking views of Strangford Lough.
Come and explore the many trails that wind their way through atmospheric woodland, gardens and parkland and discover how the Ward family developed this amazing demesne over a four hundred period.
The National Trust now also offers 5 new trails at Castle Ward. This newly designed shared-use trail system is for walkers, bike riders and horse riders at Castle Ward, Co. Down.
For everyone’s safety, bike riders will travel in one direction and horse riders will travel in the opposite direction. This will enable trail users to see horses and be prepared to pass them (staying left.) We recommend all users to ‘Hail a Horse’ – speak to the horse rider, this will help reassure the horse. So please follow the directional signs.
1 The Shore Trail 2kms (return)
This linear trail is accessible to people of all abilities. It starts at the farm yard and finishes at Audley's Quay. Accessible to everyone, the trail has no physical barriers. This trail is ‘multi-use’ so expect horses and bikes and a range of other users. It is a Slow Zone area.
2 The Castle Trail 3km
This circular trail is designed for walkers, however the first part of the trail is shared so expect walkers and bikes. It follows the line of the shore trail for the first 1km and onwards around Audley's Castle through mature deciduous woodlands. This part of the trail has some steeper sections and gates to go through.
3 The Farm Trail – 4 kms
Starting at the farmyard this circular trail is designed for walkers and bike riders. It follows the line of the shore trail then leading around Audley's Castle. On reaching the Audleystown Road, the trail crosses the road and heads through mature woodlands. This is a slow zone area. It then leads out into farmland, passing the back of the old walled garden. Up to this point this trail is ‘multi-use’ so expect horses, bikes. The trail then leads along an old farm track, connecting with the last section which winds through thick laurel before returning to the shore car park. The entire trail is suitable for walkers and cyclists.
4 The Boundary Trail 13km
Starting and finishing at the farmyard this circular trail has been designed for bike riders but may also be used by walkers. Some sections of this trail also make up part of the Hoof Trail.
5 The Hoof Trail 12km
Starting and finishing at the horse car park this circular trail is designed specifically for use by horse riders but may also be used by walkers.
Castle Ward is a working farm with cattle and sheep in many fields between April and November. At times you may find cows with young calves in the fields, they are protective of their young – do not come between them as this may be dangerous. Dogs should not go in fields with livestock.
Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for walking, and please keep dogs under close control at all times.
Parking and entrance is free to National Trust members, but please note that the car park closes at 8pm 1 April to 30 September - all other times of the year it closes at 4pm.
The Cache
Allow yourself around 30 mins to find this traditional cache and return to main car park - but why not take longer and enjoy your surroundings on the way?
The cache is a medium sized camouflaged lockable lunchbox with geocache label on the lid, best approached by heading to the information point at N54*22.374 W005*34.680 .
This cache is located near the Farmyard. This area is dominated by the Tower House which was built around 1610 by Bernard Ward and marks the beginning of the estates history. Most of the other buildings in the farmyard are 18th and 19th century.
The trip to the information point is along a tarmac road and a small grass area, so come prepared. This is a great place location for a day out with the kids. You can cycle the newly built trails or try canoeing the Lough.
There are toilet facilities and a café in the stable yard close to the main car park. There are also toilet facilities in the area behind the Clock Tower and there are picnic areas with stunning views of Strangford Lough.
You may borrow one of our GPS navigators from the Visitors Reception area. However there is a limited number so please do not expect them to always be available.
Please be careful when uncovering the cache, muggles can come up to the cache site behind you so please be discreet when taking out the cache and hiding it again. As a point of interest you will see a copy of a watercolour of the Farmyard by Mary Ward in the cache.
If you see anything you like in the cache box, please trade up or even so everyone can enjoy the contents.
Good Luck and enjoy your trip to this hidden treasure!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg pna or sbhaq ba gbc bs gur fgbar cvyyne pbirerq jvgu Vil