Healthy Hikes Spring and Summer 2024

Healthy Hikes 2024

A great way to promote positive mental and physical health  is to seek out opportunities  to follow the Public Health Agency’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing.


Taking these steps outdoors has been shown to be more impactful in providing the chance to get active, reflect, de-stress and take notice mindfully, connect with others, learn about history and the environment, and give back by supporting others. 


Our Healthy Hikes programme in the spring and summer of 2024 provides the ideal opportunity to promote positive mental health and well-being.



  • Where: Walks place in the Antrim Hills, Divis Mountain, Donard and Tollymore Forests and the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • What: Experience leisurely walks with mindfulness techniques based coaching
  • When: Midweek and Weekend options (see the programme below):
  • Midweek walks: AM/PM options (3-4 hours each) - £40 per place.
  • Weekend walks: Full day (5-6 hours) - £55 per place.
  • Who: Perfect for individuals of average fitness levels, regardless of experience.
  • Guidance: Led by qualified walk leaders and coaches/counsellors.
  • Equipment: Don't worry about gear if you don't have it - we can loan equipment at no extra cost.


No Pressure, No Expectations - Just Pure Enjoyment


Fees Payment:


  • Midweek event fees can be invoiced to the parent organisation. When booking please ensure you have the necessary details for the invoice to be issued (name, email address and purchase order number). If you would prefer to pay by card please state so on your booking when prompted or ask us by emailing alan@psocic.com.
  • Weekend event fees are paid on registration by card.


Limited bursary funding is available. Please see below for more details. If you would like to fund bursary places for people from the charities you support or the charities we collaborate with please get in touch. £100 sponsors two places for individuals from supported charities and communities.


The programme: Comprises both half-day midweek events and full-day weekend events.


  • Donard Forest and the foot of Millstone Mountain, Newcastle - Fri 10 and Sun 12 May
  • Divis and Black Mountains, Belfast - Fri 31 May and Sat 01 Jun
  • Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle - Fri 14 and Sat 29 Jun
  • Sallagh Braes, Carncastle - Fri 26 Jul and Sun 28 Jul
  • Lough Shannagh, Mourne Mountains, Attical, Newry - Fri 16 and Sat 17 Aug
  • Hare’s Gap, Meemore Lodge, Mourne Mountains - Fri 27 and Sat 28 Sep


Click an image below to find out more and to reserve your place on an event

Bursary Places

If you might struggle to afford a place, you can apply for a bursary if you meet at least two of the following criteria:


• Are coping with long-term mental illness

• Experienced a recent bereavement

• Witnessed or experiencing domestic violence

• Witnessed or experiencing drug or alcohol abuse

• In a long-term care role for another

• Frontline NHS, emergency service workers or equivalent worker - proof will be requested.


Please use ‘Contact Us’ to apply and let us know about your circumstances. Bursaries (50% or 100%) are limited, we don’t receive government funding, and we are sorry we won’t be able to assist every application but will seek to support those most in need. All information provided will be treated in confidence.

Why Not Help Others?

You can support the more vulnerable in our society, including those struggling with negative mental health, to take steps to improve their wellbeing by funding bursary places for the charities we collaborate with below. £100 secures 2 places. As well as the goodwill generated by supporting others most in need, your generosity will result in:


1. Recognition on social media by Positive Steps Outdoors and our patron the ex-boxer Carl Frampton of the value and impact of your generosity on our website and in social media postings.

2. Acknowledgement of your generosity by the charity benefiting.

3. Photography and a short narrative write up  for use in your communications.

4. The opportunity for your people to take part for free in a ‘thank you’ walk for all sponsoring organisations. 


If you would like to help more people to avail of professional support and respite in nature, then you can donate funds for bursary places. We would be extremely grateful for your support which can be provided here. Be sure to reference the place(s) you wish to fund in the’ Donation Message.


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