If like us you enjoy a pre/post walk cup of tea or coffee but here's where you can find the best in Northern Ireland right next to some fantastic walks
If like us, you eagerly anticipate a pre/post-walk coffee when out walking then this is the blog for you! We have been working closely with our sponsor Barista Bar to pick some of our top walks with great tasting Barista Bar coffee stops nearby, so you can spend more time enjoying Northern Ireland’s fantastic walking trails.
Barista Bar even have you sorted with a playlist for your next walk. Check out Barista Bar on Spotify at https://spoti.fi/3LYBazk
Titanic Trail
Discover Belfast’s links to its unique Titanic and maritime heritage following this 2.5-mile linear urban trail from the Titanic Memorial Garden at Belfast City Hall to Titanic Quarter. Good coffee can easily be picked enroute from the SPAR Titanic ARC Retail Shops. Ideal for those wishing to explore this area more or take a leisurely stroll back into the city centre.
Moydamlaght Forest
Whether you decide to follow the short, medium or Eagles Rock trail through Moydamlaght Forest you are in for a treat! Following a series of gravel tracks through conifer and native woodland on the lower slopes of Mullaghmore. The Eagle’s Rock trail also takes in the impressive rock face of Craign-na-shoke and offers spectacular views across the Sperrin Mountains. Warm up after this 4-mile walk with a hot beverage and snack from SPAR Draperstown located in The Square
Killyfole Lough
A freshwater lough between Lisnaksea and Rosslea in east Fermanagh the loop walk around which includes a large section of trail suitable for wheelchair users including boardwalk sections that allow a closer glimpses into lough depths and wildlife. This beautiful and peaceful walk takes in open water, reedbeds and wet woodland. The area has a rich history with the earliest evidence of settlement being linked to Crannog which is believed to have been inhabited during medieval times. Formally a drumlin wetland area, Killyfole was flooded and dammed by the Water Service to function as a reservoir in the mid-1960s. While this walk may be isolated you can pick up a hot beverage in your reusable cup from SPAR Lisnaskea, Lower Main Street.
Gortin Lakes
This short off-road walk leading around Gortin Lakes offers superb views of the Sperrins landscape. Enjoy your hot Barista Bar beverage in your reusable cup at one of the picnic benches scattered around the lakes. You can pick up your hot drinks and snacks from SPAR Foodstore, Gortin Road. While in the area for those looking to extend their walk, we also recommend exploring some of the fantastic trails in Gortin Glen Forest Park. Those looking a more challenging club can head to the summit of Mullacarn.
Lagan Towpath
Just a stone’s throw from Belfast City Centre walkers are in for a real treat exploring some or all of the Lagan Towpath from Shaws Bridge. This 11-mile linear walk can be walked in full or in part and follows the course of the Lagan River through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland from Belfast to Lisburn. We recommend picking up a hot drink and snack from the nearby Barista Bar located in Belvoir SPAR, Old Milltown Road a petrol station less than a mile from the car park at Shaws Bridge.
Dungannon Park
The Park Trail is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Dungannon Park a 70-acre oasis. With interesting paths through mature woodland, brightly coloured flowerbeds and past a magnificent 13-acre freshwater lake. High ground within the park offers splendid viewpoints of the town and surrounding countryside with views of Lough Neagh on a clear day. Pick up a hot beverage from Eurospar Ranfurly, Moy Road
Tobar Mhuire Heritage Trail
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the ground of Tobar Mhuire a community trail at the heart of Crossgar. Take some time to explore some of the unique heritage including Mary’s Well (a holy well), Victorian walled garden and spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains and Co. Down landscape. Pick up a hot beverage in a reusable cup from SPAR Crossgar, Saintfield Road.
Lecale Way
For those wishing to explore sections of the 47-mile Lecale Way there are plenty of good coffee stops along the way. SPAR Foodmarket, Church Street Downpatrick, SPAR Conolly’s Strangford, EUROSPAR Ardglass, SPAR Brennans Foodstore Dundrum, SPAR Newcastle, Castlewellan Road. The Lecale Way extends from the heart of Downpatrick, taking in Strangford Lough and finishing in the seaside resort of Newcastle. Tower houses, castles, ancient monuments, and quiet beaches are dotted along the way with a wealth of wildlife to be discovered along the contrasting shores of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea.
Barista Bar offer more than just coffee to hungry walkers who have built up an appetite out exploring the trails. Barista Bar invite you to check out their Cafés located in several locations across Northern Ireland.
Plant based and decaf options are available for all coffees at no extra cost and their delicious menu includes vegan and vegetarian options to suit all dietary requirement with a separate kids menu to keep the little ones happy. Here are some suggestions of walks close to a Barista Bar café:
Inver River Walkway
An enjoyable 1-mile linear walk that follows the flow of the Inver River from the Antiville Road Roundabout to Larne Lough along a gentle sweeping pathway. The pathway is a little oasis in the urban environment for birds such as Dippers, Kingfishers and even some bat species. After building up an appetite treat yourself to a delicious coffee and snack at Barista Bar Café Lité in Kilwaughter Service Station, Belfast Road.
Crumlin Glen
This 1.8-mile circular walk follows Crumlin River as it carves its way through a short but steep glen on its approach to the waters of Lough Neagh. The route passes through some beautiful woodland and crosses the river by a series of footbridges. Located close to the starting point you will find delicious coffee and food (to suit all dietary requirements) at the Barista Bar Café located in EUROSPAR Crumlin, Mill Road.
Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood
Walkers are in for a real treat exploring this 2-mile linear series of well-used paths connecting Oakfield Glen to the neighbouring Bashfordsland Wood. Oakfield Glen which is managed by The Woodland Trust has been enhanced with the planting of native saplings and provides a much-needed habitat for wildlife, including bullfinches, sparrowhawks, and wrens, with visiting willow warblers and chiff chaffs. Unique sculptures, designed by Alan Cargo and Eleanor Wheeler, will guide you on your woodland adventure. Keep an eye open for ten mystical Púca creatures, no doubt hiding in the treetops. In Irish folklore, the Púca are said to be the most mischievous of all the fairies in Ireland. At Bashfordsland Wood you will find wildlife-ponds, wildflowers, and thousands of recently planted native trees – over 20,000 in total. The trees already tower over the tallest of walkers and attract precious wildlife, including sparrowhawks and buzzards.
New strategically placed sculptures in the shape of leaves will meet you on your journey. The steel sculptures were created by artist Kevin Killen, with input from Oakfield Primary School.
Located just a short drive from the forest you can find a Barista Bar Café at SPAR Fortfield, Belfast Road where you can sit, relax and enjoy something from their delicious menu with a well-earned Barista Bar, coffee as it should be.
We always love to see your out and about on the trails pictures! We are interested to find out what trails you are exploring with your reusable Barista Bar cups. Follow @BaristaBar & Tag us in your Barista Bar coffee moments using #WalkNI #BaristaBarNI.
