Ferry across Strangford
Today you head to the lough mouth town of Portaferry, via Downpatrick, Ardglass and Strangford:
- Downpatrick: its Cathedral is said to be the burial place of Saint Patrick
- Ardglass, a picturesque fishing town, is your first pit stop
- You pull into Strangford and we recommend you head for The Lobster Pot, where a warm welcome and satisfying lunch is enjoyed by our clients
You walk your bikes on to the Strangford to Portaferry ferry and enjoy a picturesque ten-minute crossing (at the cost of a whole £1!):
After the ferry crossing, you head out along the coastal route for a scenic 7-mile loop, ending back in Portaferry:
Day 2: 34 miles, elevation:
You then have time - if desired - to visit the newly renovated Exploris Aquarium, Northern Ireland's only aquarium, reptile exhibition and seal sanctuary (optional); or enjoy a wander around Portaferry at your leisure.
Overnight is in The Portaferry Hotel (3-star). Dating back to the 1700s, The Portaferry Hotel, in the heart of the village, is steeped in history and surrounded by the breath-taking landscape of Strangford Lough. Our guests are welcomed into the award-winning restaurant for dinner; it showcases the best of local, seasonal produce.
A cosy bar is available for pre and post dinner drinks and the hotel’s fourteen bedrooms are charming and spacious.
