Section 1 of 6, Lecale Way
Downpatrick to Strangford
13.5 miles (21.7 km). About 5 hours, moderate.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
About 338 m of climbing and 349 m of descent; highest point 70 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Downpatrick.
- Stations
- Downpatrick (heritage railway), 450 m from the start. DirectionsDownpatrick Loop Platform (heritage railway), 950 m from the start. Directions
- Bus stops
- Church Street, 150 m from the start. DirectionsScotch Street, 220 m from the start. Directions
- Car parks
- Car park, 90 m from the start. DirectionsCar park, 100 m from the start. DirectionsMount Crescent Car Park (free), 110 m from the start. Directions
Getting back
The section finishes at Strangford. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Strangford Square, 50 m from the finish. DirectionsSt Joseph's Primary School, 160 m from the finish. DirectionsBlack Causeway Road, 930 m from the finish. Directions
Planning the Lecale Way
- Planning the whole trail: walkni.com.
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 62%, gravel and tracks 24%, grass 7%.
About 61% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 3 stiles, 14 gates.
Steepest climb: about 55 m in a kilometre (1 in 18), starting 0.1 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- Murphy's Bar & Restaurant, Downpatrick: at the start.Mirabelle, Downpatrick: at the start.Fitzpatricks, Downpatrick: at the start.The Hole in the Wall, Strangford: at the finish.The Roadhouses, Ballyalton: 3.7 miles in, about 150 m off the way.
- Cafés
- Bizzy Bee Bistro, Downpatrick: at the start.The Cake Room, Strangford: at the finish.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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