{"id":6524,"date":"2013-10-27T18:14:02","date_gmt":"2013-10-27T17:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/?p=6524"},"modified":"2013-10-27T18:16:26","modified_gmt":"2013-10-27T17:16:26","slug":"enjoy-colourful-walks-in-northern-ireland-this-autumn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/2013\/10\/enjoy-colourful-walks-in-northern-ireland-this-autumn\/","title":{"rendered":"ENJOY COLOURFUL WALKS IN NORTHERN IRELAND THIS AUTUMN"},"content":{"rendered":"

AUTUMN has arrived and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to pull on their walking boots, take a stroll in the crisp air and enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes of the year.<\/h2>\n
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Minnowburn, Belfast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are many different types of walking routes available right across Northern Ireland from forest trails to mountain hikes which will enable you to discover the stunning surroundings with your family, partner or friends. \u00a0NITB\u2019s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley says it is a wonderful time of year to take a walk in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAutumn is the most colourful season of the year and it is a great time to explore the spectacular natural settings we have here in Northern Ireland including hills, woodlands, mountains and riversides,\u201d said Pauline.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether you want to go for a stroll in your local forest park or a more energetic workout along a mountain trail there are options for everyone.\u00a0 Many of the routes are clearly marked while others enable you to go off the beaten track and to get up close to nature.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalkers should remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear while they are out,\u201d said added.
\nTo help you take a step in the right direction, NITB has highlighted a range of walking routes and autumn events taking place this year;
\nBELFAST<\/strong><\/p>\n

Belfast Castle Estate<\/span><\/p>\n

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.\u00a0 Follow the blue waymarked \u2018Estate Trail\u2019 for a 2.4 mile for a walk through its woodland and parkland which will take in the Millennium Maze, the Volunteer\u2019s Well and Belfast Castle.<\/p>\n

Barnett Demesne<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore this historic estate with a 1.5mile walk which takes in Malone House, meadows, woodland and the River Lagan.\u00a0 Start at Malone House car park and follow the path round the front of the house and downhill while admiring views over the Lagan Valley, across Minnowburn Beeches and the wildflower meadow.\u00a0 Along the way you will discover the old Shaw\u2019s Bridge and a disused kissing gate.<\/p>\n

CO. ANTRIM<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne<\/span><\/p>\n

This country park offers walkers a whole host of great routes to explore the picturesque surroundings of Carnfunnock Country Park.\u00a0 The walking paths overlap each other in places and it is possible to follow any one.\u00a0 There are five waymarked trails with take in the Walled Garden with unusual sundials and wooden sculptures, a maze the shape of Northern Ireland, an ice house, woodland and wetland as well as great views of the coast.<\/p>\n

Portmuck<\/span><\/p>\n

A hidden gem at the north eastern tip of Islandmagee, Portmuck is a stunning little harbour with fabulous views of the Antrim Coast.\u00a0 The National Trust owns and manages the coastline on either side of the harbour and has provided excellent trails for visitors to enjoy the scenery and dramatic views.\u00a0 There are two linear routes on either side of the harbour \u2013 the Northern route to the left and the Southern route to the right.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

CO. ARMAGH <\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Gosford Forest Park, Markethill<\/span>
\n
\n<\/strong>The Castle Path circular walking route in Gosford takes in the Arboretum and southern end of the Walled Garden before reaching the boundary of the privately owned Gosford Castle.\u00a0 From here the path leads through oak and Norway spruce plantations returning to the car park by the Rare Breed and Heritage Poultry enclosures.\u00a0 The trail is well signposted from the car park.<\/p>\n

Peatlands Woodland Walk, Loughgall<\/span><\/p>\n

The Woodland Walk is one of five lovely walks around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.\u00a0 Follow the path marked with the yellow arrows and watch for Cuckoos and birds of prey using the dead pines as lookout posts.\u00a0 Annagarriff Wood is a National Nature Reserve with unique flora and fauna species, many of which are found nowhere else in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n

CO. DOWN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meelmore and Meelbeg, Hilltown<\/span><\/p>\n

A moderate 5.5 mile walk in the High Mournes, summiting two of the seven highest peaks in the region.\u00a0 Walk up the stony track at the opposite side of the road from Ott car park until it splits in two.\u00a0 Here take the upper path until the Mourne Wall.\u00a0 At the wall turn left and follow the Mourne Wall up the summits of Slieve Loughshannagh (619m), Slieve Meelbeg (708m) and Slieve Meelmore (687m). \u00a0Retrace your steps 300m back down Slieve Meelmore and descend into the valley.\u00a0 At the bottom of the valley pick up the Ulster Way which emerges onto the Slievenaman Road, 800m away from the Ott car park.<\/p>\n

Nugent\u2019s Wood<\/span><\/p>\n

Once part of the Nugent’s Estate, this gentle walk is through a mature wood of mixed broad leaved trees. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views across the Strangford Narrows, towards Audleys Castle and Castleward and the Wood is home to Red Squirrels and badgers.<\/p>\n

CO. FERMANAGH<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Lough Navar Forest Park, Derrygonnelly<\/span><\/p>\n

From the main forest drive there are lots of short walks signed to various points of interest including lakes, viewpoints and places of historical interest.\u00a0 This is a stunning forest with a variety of landscapes offering views over Lower Lough Erne and on a clear day the Sperrin Mountains and the west coast of Donegal.<\/p>\n

CO. TYRONE <\/strong><\/p>\n

Dungannon Park<\/span><\/p>\n

The Park Trail is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Dungannon Park – a 70 acre oasis.\u00a0 The walk’s paths surround the grounds mature woodland, brightly coloured flowerbeds and the magnificent 13 acre freshwater lake.\u00a0 High ground offers the walker splendid viewpoints of surrounding townland and countryside with views of Lough Neagh on a clear day.<\/p>\n

Davagh Forest, Cookstown <\/span><\/p>\n

Davagh Forest is a true hidden gem and lies approximately six miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests.\u00a0 Here there is a range of walking and mountain biking trails available.\u00a0 The two mile short circuit walk follows the black waymarker arrows along a pleasant riverside path which meanders through beautiful woodland.
\nCO. LONDONDERRY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Errigal Glen Trail, Garvagh<\/span><\/p>\n

The Errigal Glen Trail is one of two waymarked trails in the picturesque Glenullin region, three miles south west of Garvagh.\u00a0 The route follows woodland trail, country roads, forest road and open hillside.\u00a0 Points of interest include the ancient remains of the Errigal Old Church and the Gortnamoyagh Inauguration Stone.
\nDownhill Forest, Castlerock<\/span><\/p>\n

Downhill Forest is a small mixed woodland of 83 hectares just inland from the North Coast of Northern Ireland.\u00a0 The Forest was originally part of the estate of Frederick Harvey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, which included Downhill Castle.\u00a0 A walk through Downhill Forest will allow you to view one of Northern Ireland\u2019s fattest Sitka spruces, an Early Christian Promontory Fort and an old water powered sawmill with its blade running round the small lake in the middle of this woodland.\u00a0 There are two waymarked paths in the forest, one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length and the Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest.
\n <\/strong><\/p>\n

EVENTS <\/strong><\/p>\n

There are a number of events taking place as part of the National Trust\u2019s Great NI Walk festival which is running until November 3;<\/p>\n

Red Squirrel Day, Mount Stewart, Co. Down<\/strong> October 12.\u00a0 Join the rangers to learn all about red squirrels and hopefully see some of these wonderful mammals on a guided walk of the Mount Stewart estate. You will hear about the Trust\u2019s work to protect squirrels at Mount Stewart and across the Ards Peninsula.\u00a0 Time: 10am-12 noon<\/p>\n

Walk on the Wild Side, The Argory, Co. Tyrone, <\/strong>October 13.\u00a0 The head ranger will be hosting guided walks around the estate with unique \u2018behind the scenes\u2019 insight.\u00a0 Get into the real outdoors spirit and help the estate team plant snowdrop and daffodil bulbs for next spring.\u00a0 Tours: 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.<\/p>\n

Remarkable Trees, Minnowburn, Belfast,<\/strong> October 19.\u00a0 Meet some of the most remarkable trees and explore the mysterious worlds of woodland history, myth and folklore.\u00a0 Find out about traditional woodland crafts and management and learn about the art of green woodworking. \u00a0Time: 11am-12.30pm.<\/p>\n

Coastal Walk, Orlock, Groomsport, Co. Down<\/strong>, October 26.\u00a0 One of the National Trust\u2019s least known beauty spots, Orlock is rich with historical interest and teeming with wildlife. \u00a0Join the ranger for an enjoyable stroll and discover some of the area\u2019s fascinating secrets.\u00a0 Meet at the lay-by south east of property.\u00a0 Time: 10am-12 noon.<\/p>\n

Autumn Walk, Murlough NNR, Dundrum, Co. Down,<\/strong> November 3.\u00a0 Enjoy a five mile coastal walk around this National Nature Reserve, as part of the Newcastle Challenge Trail and Lecale Way.\u00a0 Bring a picnic.\u00a0 Booking is essential.\u00a0 Time: 11am-1pm.<\/p>\n

For more information on walking routes click on discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.\u00a0 A short break in Northern Ireland starts from \u00a349 per room.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AUTUMN has arrived and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to pull on their walking boots, take a stroll in the crisp air and enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes of the year. There are many different types of walking routes available right across Northern Ireland from forest trails to mountain … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6524"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6524"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6529,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6524\/revisions\/6529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}