WALKING TRAILS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Summer Hiking Coastal and Mountain Scenery
In the summer months when the fogs and chills fade away and the rugged hillsides and coastal bays glisten is the time to get out and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Irish island’s northern country. From the lush green Glens and quaint fishing villages to the secluded coastal trails of the North Coast and County Antrim, to the granite topped summits and dramatic views of the Mountains of Mourne you can find a hike of amazing scenery for all levels of walkers. The is the land which attracted the crews of the “Game of Thrones” to discover exotic landscapes for a fictional world of wonder (see Games of Thrones Locations Tour), but here a few trail ways for you to find your own escape from reality.
Divis Ridge Trail
Starting from close to Belfast, view the city from a unique perspective, high above! The recently opened Divis Ridge Trail allows the walkers to enjoy fantastic views across the city from the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south. You can spot the local landmarks such as Titanic Belfast (see Titanic Experience Belfast), and the famous cranes of the Harland & Wolff dockyards, City Hall and , Victoria Square, and Scrabo Tower. This roundabout route is quite accessible with relatively flat pathways on tarmac, boardwalk and stone pitched gravel.
White Park Bay, County Antrim
This 3 mile walk on the Causeway Coast will take you along golden sands and rocky shoreline near the Giant's Causeway (see Causeway of Finn McCool). White Park Bay forms a bright arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast with a sweeping sandy beach which looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. It was here that one of the first settlements of man in Ireland was found. This leisurely secluded walk takes the most natural coastline in Northern Ireland with its ancient dunes and chalk grassland carpeted in rare plants, including many orchids. For birders, keep an eye out for willow warblers, linnets and stonechats.
Antrim Hills Way, County Antrim
If an invigorating hill walk with stunning sea views is your cup of tea, try walking a part of the 22 mile long Antrim Hills Way This path takes you from Glenarm on the coast to the summit of Slemish Mountain near Ballymena. The full route can be walked in one of six sections offering views of the scenic Glens of Antrim, the natural ampthitheatre of the Sallagh Braes, Ballygally Head, Islandmagee and across to Aisla Craig to the Scottish Coast.
Robber's Table, County Tyrone
For more of a hiking challenge this 9-mile circular hill walk in the Sperrins is the ticket. This landscape with its hatchwork of hedgerows and miles of old stone walls offers magnificent views of the Bluestack and Derryveagh Mountains of Donegal, the natural plain of Omagh and the rugged High Sperrin Mountain range. It is here where tales were told of highwaymen who demanded “stand and deliver” on the post roads across the Sperrins and split their ill-gotten spoils on the ridge of ‘Robber’s Table’.
Slieve Binnian, County Down
At 2,450 ft, Slieve Binnian in the Mourne Mountains is the third highest peak in the range. Tor is a Celtic term for a rock outcrop that arises abrubtly from the gentle green sloping hills and this granite Tor capped mountain summit dominates the countryside, overlooking the Silent Valley and Ben Crom lakes. The breathtaking views of Slieve Binnian are pure Northern Ireland. This 7-mile circular route follows the Mourne Wall to the top of Slieve Binnian, cutting between the spectacular South and North Tors before the trail descends past the beautiful Blue Lough, Annalong Forest and back to the car park. Be prepared for a steep uphill on this hike and an even steeper one if you want to get to the summit – which will involve some hand scrambling. On a clear day you can see as far as the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains to the south of Dublin.
North Down Coastal Path, County Down
Here are 16 miles of amazing coastline to be hiked with mostly paved macadam path, with some short rugged sections and perfect for a picnic along the way. The North Down Coastal Path starts at the Esplanade in Holywood and continues west to Orlock Point. This popular route hugs the coastline with the sea never far from sight. There are a number of distractions along the way including Crawfordsburn Country Park on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, the glistening sands of Helen's Bay and Bangor Marina. If you didn’t pack a lunch, stop for some fish and chips or a Pastie. Cover 16 miles, or just park the car and walk as far as you care.
Castle Archdale Park, County Fermanagh
For a shorter trek with a bit of history, head across to County Fermanagh where you can choose between a variety of routes taking in the shore of beautiful Lough Erne and the woodland in Castle Archdale Country Park. The parkland, once a country gentry estate was on the front lines of the Battle of the Atlantic as the base for American PBY flying boats in World War II. The park features a red deer enclosure, wildfowl ponds, nature trail, butterfly garden and wildflower meadow. The Archdale Centre presents various exhibitions to explain the efforts to conserve this beautiful part of Fermanagh. © Bargain
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SEE ALSO:
GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR - BANBRIDGE-ARMAGH
DRIVING
SCENIC IRELAND
CASTLE COOLE & FLORENCE COURT MANOR
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE
GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR - BANBRIDGE
