Forest bathing at Castle Ward

Castle Ward is a large National Trust estate on the western shore of Strangford Lough, the UK's largest sea inlet, near the village of Strangford. Alongside the house, farmyard and parkland it has woodland running down to the water, including Audley's Wood, home to badgers and plenty of small birds. A forest also sits within the estate. The lough has been an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1972.

The Loughside walk is a good introduction: 2.5 miles from the old farmyard, along the shore and through Audley's Wood, back via a tree-lined avenue. Paths are mostly gravel with some woodland track, a few short steep pitches and rocky bits. You can climb to Audley's Castle to extend it. There's a tea room, toilets and cycle hire at the stableyard, and longer routes such as the eight-mile Boundary Trail if you want a full day. Dogs on leads are welcome.