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Walking & Hiking in Ireland

 

The Mourne Mountain range is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyMourne mountains and is proposed as the first National Park in Northern Ireland. The area will not disappoint visitors interested in the natural environment, built heritage and wonderful scenery. Dry stone walls are a common feature and Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, stands prominent, towering over Newcastle Bay. A popular walking trail to the top of Slieve Donard is via the glen river or via Slieve Commedagh, the watchful mountain. After the hike it is always pleasant to relax in one of the cafes or bars in Newcastle.

There are many routes in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside. One trail known as the Smugglers' trail or Brandy Pad begins at the coast and goes through the mountains passing the Ben Crom reservoir and crossing through the Hares Gap. Watch BBC ONE NI to see some of my favourite walking areas.

**BBC ONE NI on Wednesday nights at 10.40pm starting on April 2

High level hikes over the craggy tops of Slieve Binnian or Slieve Bearnagh provide opportunities for wonderful views. Other routes explore the interaction of the granite men with the Mourne mountains. The Granite Trail from Newcastle harbour has been established to illustrate where and how the Granite men worked. It is a popular walk for families.

If you prefer a lowland ramble then the Murlough Nature Reserve and Dundrum Bay trail offers gentle undulating terrain and opportunity to do some bird watching.

Close by the Cooley Mountains also offer great views and a feeling of remoteness. If you have time and energy after your walk the medieval town of Carlingford is worth exploring.

The Causeway walk along the North coast of Ireland to the world heritage site at the Giant's Causeway provides a mixture of superb cliff scenery and unusual geological features. Hear about the myths and legends of the area during your walk. This route is organised for group bookings.Fair Head in Ireland North

 

Go to the event guide for information on specific dates.

 

All routes can be tailor made to suit group bookings. Contact Loretto, your Blue Badge Guide for further information.

The Blue Badge is the UK's highest tourist guiding qualification

 

Advice for walkers.

Walks and hikes are offered at a variety of grades and you are advised to check if the route suits your fitness level.

You will need to wear hill walking boots with good ankle support and suitable socks for mountain hikes. A waterproof jacket which can also act as a windproof is essential. A small rucksack is required to carry your lunch and spare clothing.

*** Programme Series to Watch on BBC ONE NI featuring the Mournes and walking in Northern Ireland

On Wednesday nights at 10.40pm starting on April 2

"From the windswept wilderness on Fermanagh’s Cuilcagh Way to the Devil’s Coachroad in the Mourne Mountains and on to the rough and dynamic coastline of the north coast"

 

 

Outdoor Ireland North, 14 Shimnavale, Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0EF, Northern Ireland.
T: +44 (0)28 4372 5191 ~ M: +44 (0) 79 7340 8056 ~ E: loretto@outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk
 
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