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Walking Festivals provide a unique way to get out into the hills with other like-minded walkers to sample some of the incredible scenery Northern Ireland has on offer. Many of these festivals offer guided walks on all types of terrain, varied in distance and will suit all levels of abilities, from family days out to a more challenging mountain rambles for hill walking enthusiasts. To top it all off there is always a great social scene with evenings packed full of entertainment.
Below we have outlined some of the walking festivals taking place across Northern Ireland this year.
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22 - 24 June 2012
This internationally recognised festival offers walkers, of all levels of fitness, stunning routes in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside. These routes vary between between 10k and 40k at both high and low level. The festival takes place over 3 days alternating each year between Newcastle and Warrenpoint in Co Down.
On each of the 3 days of the festival there are a variety of self-guided lowland walks with all routes fully waymarked. On the Saturday there is generally a mountain hike requiring a high level of fitness and experience of walking within a mountain environment. There is usually a slightly less strenuous alternative which also takes place on the Saturday.
The festival not only offers excellent walking but also entertainment. The bars will be packed full of walkers in the evening and there is always a great buzz and plenty of traditional music playing into the wee hours. The social highlight of the weekend is the ‘Blister Ball’ on the Saturday evening which is a casual dance event with a hot supper followed by lively entertainment.
Pre-booking for the Mourne International Walking Festival is advisable. For more information visit www.mournewalking.co.uk; email info@mournewalking.co.uk or contact Newcastle Tourist Information Centre on +44 (0)28 4372 2222.
2012 date tbc
The Sperrins are the largest and least explored mountain range in Northern Ireland with dramatic landscapes, rivers teaming with life, mountains, valleys, forests and lakes.
With a great mix of family-friendly, moderate and high level walks, including an overnight challenge walk, The Omagh Walking Festival explores some of the most spectacular and stunning scenery that the Sperrin Mountains have to offer.
Visit www.omaghwalkingfestival.com for more information.
3 - 6 August 2012
The Sperrins Walking Festival offers walkers the chance to enjoy some of the finest walking and rambling, set against some of Ireland’s most spectacular and stunning scenery. The festival caters for all abilities of walkers from family walks, activities and nature trails, to moderate and challenging walks, all of which are guided by professional walking guides.
There is also a 2 day overnight walking adventure, “Sperrins Gold Trail”, which consists of a 47km walk with overnight camping in a nearby forest.
For those who aren’t camping out there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the warm hospitality of the Sperrins region and enjoy the craic in the many bars and restaurants.
For more information on how to book your place for the next Sperrins Walking Festival contact Sperrins Tourism on +44 (0)28 86747700 or visit www.sperrinswalkingfestival.com
28 - 29 Jan 2012
Sperrintrek is a series of hill walking events over 3 weekends in the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Organised by Cookstown District Council in association with the Mid Ulster Walking Club, there are 2 walks of varying degrees each weekend.
This is your opportunity to explore the outstanding natural beauty the Sperrins Region has to offer.
For information on how to take part in the next SperrinTrek visit www.sperrintrekkers.com
2012 date tbc
This Festival offers an action packed programme of guided mountain and lowland walks in the Mournes, Slieve Gullion and Cooley Mountains over varying distances and difficulties, catering for all hill walkers. This festival is renowned for great walking and lively social scene.
Known as the social club that walks, the Newry-based Wee Binnian Walkers organise this fun-filled festival, and offer no less than 9 guided walks over the weekend. So take your pick or use that stamina to tackle them all.
The festival has been much acclaimed for its balance of fabulous landscapes, friendly people and nightly entertainment. The programme offers guided mountain and lowland walks of varying distances and difficulties catering from the novice to the most experienced hill walker. The lower level ‘Gap of the North History Trail’ and ‘Smugglers Walk’ are firm favourites for those who enjoy shorter walks full of history, folklore and great scenery. The Festival also includes the infamous Blister Ball on the Saturday night.
The Wee Binnian Walkers take great pride in the fact that the Festival organised and funded through volunteer efforts. Contact the Wee Binnians Walkers on +44 (0)75 9239 3801 or for ROI callers 00 353 86 843 4440. Each year's programme (once available) can be downloaded at www.weebinnians.com
The Knockatallon and Clogher Valley Rambling clubs organise this cross-border, two-centre festival in the beautiful Clougher valley of South Tyrone and Sliabh Beagh Hills of North Monaghan.
There are a variety of walks as part of this festival including routes through the lush green landscape and forests of the Blackwater region and exploratory rambles of the bogs and bye-ways of the starkly beautiful Sliagh Beagh Hills. Here you will find one of the finest examples of blanket bog in Ireland.
All walks are guided by competent leaders and light refreshments provided after events. For more information contact Paddy Sherry on 00353 (0) 87 2525457 or email paddyparaban@eircom.net
2012 date tbc
The Castlerock Walkfest, organised by the Castlerock Community Association, is Northern Ireland’s newest walking festival. The weekend consists of guided walks in Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Downhill and the Bann Estuary, using Castlerock village as a base.
This region is a dramatic and unspoilt area of hill, moor, forest, beach and home to the famous Downhill Castle and Musssenden Temple. With routes taking you through some of Ireland’s most magnificent scenery, it won’t just be the walking that takes your breath away.
There are two walks each day catering for different abilities as well as a family walk on one of the day’s specifically for younger walkers. There is transport provided to and from the walks as well as light refreshments for walkers on their return.
For more information on the next Castlerock WalkFest contact the Coleraine Tourist Information on +44 (0)28 7034 4723 or visit www.coastlinecastlerock.org
14th October 2012
The variety of walking available in County Fermanagh means it is an ideal venue for walkers and indeed a walking festival. This festival organised by Fermanagh District Council in conjunction with the Fermanagh and Knockatallan Rambling Clubs offers a wide range of graded walks through simply breath-taking scenery.
There are family walks, intermediate walks and advanced walks on all 3 days of this festival with the differing grades of walks taking place at various locations throughout the County.
Light refreshments will be provided free of charge and there is no charge for participating in the festival walks. however, booking is essential. For more information contact Grainne O’Connor on +44 (0)28 6632 5050 or email grainne.oconnor@fermanagh.gov.uk
2012 date tbc
This is an annual hill walking festival in the Glenullin and Garvagh areas. There are both high and low level walks led by experienced guides with unparalleled knowledge of local flora, fauna and history of the area.
The Glenullin Bog is a lowland raised bog of high scenic appeal. The bog’s dome structure is highly visible in the surrounding landscape and is considered the ‘The Heart of the Glenullin Valley’ by many local people.
This annual hill walking festival, comprising of walks suitable for all abilities, provides a unique opportunity for walkers to explore this area and learn more about the bogland. Guided walks are followed by traditional hospitality and entertainment in the local area.
For more information contact Mr Patsy Bradley on +44 (0)28 2955 7380 or email patsybradley@glenullinservices.com
2012 date tbc
An exciting and unusual weekend of cross country hiking in one of Northern Ireland’s most remote and scenic landscapes. On previous weekends Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Mountain Hares have been spotted on our guided hikes. Our experienced and knowledgeable local guides will also enlighten visiting walkers on the ecology, history and folklore of this wild and remote part of West Tyrone. Transport to and from the hikes included.
For further information or one of our brochures contact Strabane Tourist Information Centre on 028 7138 4444 or email: tic@strabanedc.com
2012 date tbc
Local walks led by local people. The Walk the Glens festival is based around the Glenariff, Cushendall & Cushendun areas and offers walking in simply spectacular surroundings. It takes place on the first weekend of June every year.
With vastly experienced and knowledgeable local guides the Walk the Glens festival not only provides walkers with breathtaking routes but also informs and educates on the culture and history of this famous area.
Transport is provided to the various starting points and there are refreshments after all walks. So if you fancy an active weekend out and about in the Glens of Antrim enjoying the beautiful scenery, the Walk the Glens festival could provide the perfect opportunity to do just that.
For more information visit www.walktheglens.co.uk
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