Sample Walking Routes
We have provided below some sample walking routes that you can explore via the interactive maps.
Press the aeroplane button to fly the route. Click 'find out more about this route' for more information.
Divis and Black Mountain - Belfast
This is a circular route on a stone and stepped trail to the summit of Divis Mountain overlooking Belfast and then a boardwalk and moorland trail over Black Mountain and ridge back to the start / finish at the National Trust car park.
Sallagh Braes and Agnews Hill - Antrim Hills Way
The walk route is North to South from Linford (30 minutes from Belfast) to Ballyboley Forest. It takes in the stunning views (weather permitting) from Sallagh Braes out to sea as far as Scotland and from Agnew's Hill inland to Slemish, the home of `St Patrick, with lots of flora, fauna, geology and history to explore on the way.
Slievenaglogh and the Hare's Gap - Mourne Mountains
Leaving Meelmore Lodge this route travels along the Mourne Way and Trassey Track to reach the Hare's Gap with stunning views into the Annalong Valley before a short steep climb to summit Slievenaglogh and returning past the old wall builders' huts to the lodge. The option exists to extend the route from Slievenaglogh to summit Slieve Corragh or even Sleeve Commedagh (the second highest) before dropping steeply to meet the Brandy Pad and returning back via Hare's Gap once more.
Tollymore - Mourne Area
This route leaves Meelmore Lodge and passes along the Mourne Way and Trassey Track to reach Tollymore Forest Park. From there the walk meanders through the lesser known trails, past a king's grave, fast flowing rivers and steep gorges where dippers reside (a type of bird that feeds on underwater insects) and amongst deciduous forests that red squirrels call home. The walk leaves the forest, past a massive glacial erratic boulder split in two by weather, to summit the 'mountain with no name' affording fantastic views over Newcastle. The return is then downhill all the way back to the lodge.
Lough Shannagh - Mourne Mountains
Leaving the Gamekeepers Lodge the route entails following the Banns Road (broad path) into the heart of the mountains. The option exists to peel off to summit Slievenaglogh with jaw dropping views over Silent Valley reservoir before re-joining the path to reach the sandy beaches of Lough Shannagh, surrounded by majestic mountains. A short steep climb, for those willing, will reach the top of Doan and more great views. The route back is a sedate stroll along the Banns Road.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk - Co Fermanagh
This route (the Stairway to Heaven Walk) passes over a huge area of blanket bog (one of the largest locally), with tracks, a boardwalk and staircase to aid movement. There is a steep climb towards the final section that brings you to the summit platform on Cuilcagh Mountain, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Return is via the same route as the way out.
Crockmore and Crockbrack - Sperrin Mountains
This is a charming circular route that takes the walker over the top of Crockmore and Crockbrack in the eastern Sperrins. On the way a huge glacial erratic rock can be seen and as you get higher on Crockbrack and Crogmore a hidden mountain lough is made visible and views of Benbradagh, Binevenagh and the Inishowen peninsula can be gained. While from the high ground at Craigbane views are possible of Slieve Gallion, Draperstown, the Moyola Valley and Maghera with Lough Neagh, Lough Beg and the Bann Valley further to the east.
Ballintoy to Bushmills - North Coast
This route provides the opportunity to experience the majesty that is the Causeway Coast, including Portballintrae, Portbradden, Dunseverick Harbour and the Giant’s Causeway. The route involves sections of walking on beaches, over rocks and along cliff top paths following the Causeway Coast Way, one of the most spectacular cliff top paths in the UK or Ireland.
Benbradagh - Sperrin Mountains
Benbradagh is a large hill near Dungiven that rises to 465 metres as is part of the Sperrin Mountains. Once used as a United States Military communications base this is an off road walk, challenging at times, over rough terrain with the reward of amazing 360 degree views.
Slieve Binnian - Mourne Mountains
Leaving Carrick Little car park the route heads along a path before following the Mourne Wall on a steep climb to the summit (747m) of Slieve Binnian, with unrivalled views over Silent Valley reservoir. The trail then follows a stunning circular route traversing between the awesome South and North Tors before dropping down on a newly renovated stone path to the col with Slievelamagan and then along the gentle sloping path that leads past the Blue Lough, Annalong Forest and back to the car park.
