Walking clubs across Northern Ireland are set to welcome new walkers to join them for a ‘Welcome Walk’ as part of the UFRC Open Weekend taking place on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th September 2021.
In the last year a bit we have all experienced isolation from our usual social routines. For many heading out for a walk has become a very enjoyable part of daily life and a big part of the way we explore Northern Ireland. If you are looking to get out walking with other like minded individuals or perhaps take your first steps into the hills/mountains with the confidence of having others around you this is the taster walk for you!
In the same way if you are already a keen walker looking for a more challenging walks this is the ideal event to find out more about what various clubs offer.
Following the success of this event in previous years, the intention of these ‘Welcome Walks’ are to raise awareness of local walking clubs and provide more information on how walkers can get involved. There is no obligation to commit to becoming a member of the club (however, we know people enjoyed the experience so much in previous years they joined the club for more walks!).
These walks will take place in various locations across Northern Ireland and spaces will be limited so booking in advance will be essential.
Please note: Some clubs will be running their walks the previous or following weekend.
This event is being held as part of the UFRC ‘Reboot Your Club’ project which is being funded by SportNI.
‘Welcome Walk’ Events – Book Now!
Armagh Rambling Club – Welcome walk in the Mournes
Date: Saturday 25th September 2021
Time: 09:30 – 14:00
Join Armagh Rambling Club on Saturday 25th September for a walk from Carrick Little car park past Annalong Forest and Blue Lough before reaching the Coll between Binnian and Lamagan. The group will stop at the Coll for lunch before returning to the start point via the same route.
Is this walk for me? This walk is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, packed lunch and water are essential. Walking poles are useful but not essential.
How to book: Due to social distancing places on this walk are limited to 20 people so pre booking in advance is essential. To book phone Patricia: 07729939851
Kilbroney Rambling Club – Welcome Walk from Kilbroney Forest to Cloughmore Stone
Date: Saturday 25th September 2021
Time: 09:45 – 13:30
Join Kilbroney Ramblers on Saturday 25th September for a walk from Kilbroney Forest Park, Lower car park (beside cafe) through Kilbroney Forest to “Chloch Mhór” (Irish for big stone). The group will stop for lunch taking in fantastic views over Carlingford Lough and the surrounding landscape before returning to the start point via Fiddlers Green and the viewpoint.
Is this walk for me? This is walk has some uphill sections a basic level for fitness is required.
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, packed lunch, snack and water are essential. A flask of tea is good to warm up at lunch but not essential. No jeans or track suit bottoms.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential. To book contact William Mitchell – Email: william.mitchell1@btinternet.com or phone: 07768486977
Belfast CHA – Welcome Walk
Date: Saturday 25th September 2021
Time: 11:00 – 15:00
Join Belfast CHA on a walk beside Six Mile Water to the Visitor Centre at Lough Neagh where the group will stop for lunch. The walk will continue through Rea’s Wood onto Dublin Road before returning to the Car Park or station at approx. 15:00. The group will take the train from Great Victoria Street station at 10:10, Laynon Place at 10:20. Those wishing to travel by car can meet through group at Clotworthy House Car Park in Antrim Castle Gardens at 11:00
Is this walk for me? This 5.5 mile walk is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness.
What to bring: Backpack with water, packed lunch and waterproof clothing. Suitable footwear: walking boots ( worn in) or stout walking shoes.
Northern Ireland Young Walkers – Welcome Walk from Carrick Little to the Brandy Pad and Mourne Wall
Date: Sunday 26th September 2021
Time: 09:30
Join Northern Ireland Young Walkers on a walk from Carrick Little coffee shop car park, up the Annalong Valley to the Brandy Pad before returning along the Mourne Wall.
Is this walk for me? This is walk has some uphill sections so a moderate level of fitness is required.
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, packed lunch, snack and water are essential. A flask of tea is good to warm up at lunch but not essential. No jeans or track suit bottoms.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential as places are limited. To book contact Alex – Email: Alec223@hotmail.co.uk
Glens of Antrim Rambling Club – Welcome Walk Glenariff
Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021
Time: 12:00 – 15:30
Join Glens of Antrim Rambling Club for a walk around the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. With an opportunity to take in some spectacular views of the surrounding landscape before returning to the start point.
Is this walk for me? This walk includes an ascent/descent of approx. 200m so a moderate level of fitness is required.
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, snacks and water water are essential. A flask of tea is good to warm up at the end of the walk but is not essential.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited. To book contact James McKeown – Email: mckeownj52@gmail.com
East Antrim Rambling Club – Welcome Walk around Slieve Lough Shannagh, Meelbeg and Meelmore
Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021
Time: 10:10 – 16:30
Join East Antrim Rambling Club for their upcoming welcome walk. Meeting at Ott Car Park the group will walk to the wall, around the base of Slieve Lough Shannagh, Meelbeg and Meelmore. The group will enjoy lunch at the stile below Meelmore and Bearnagh before continuing down Trassey trail, past Meelmore Lodge and onward to Foffany Dam back to Ott car park.
Is this walk for me? This walk has no steep climbs, a moderate level of fitness is required as the terrain is still challenging at times.
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, lunch, snacks and water water are essential. A flask of tea is good to warm up at lunch but is not essential. A walking pole is also good to bring but is not essential.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited. To book contact Gerard Malone – Phone: 07837 637267, Email: gerardmalone31@hotmail.com
Maine Rambling Club – Welcome Walk Shane’s Castle Estate
Date: Sunday 3rd October 2021
Time: 14:15
Join Maine Rambling Club for a walk through the spectacular grounds of Shane’s Castle Estate, Randalstown. This 5-mile walk will follow the River Maine to where it enters Lough Neagh.
Is this walk for me? This walk has no steep climbs, a moderate level of fitness is required as the terrain is still challenging at times.
What to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, backpack, lunch, snacks and water water are essential. A flask of tea is good to warm up at lunch but is not essential. A walking pole is also good to bring but is not essential.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential. To book contact Graham Seymour – Email: grahamrseymour@hotmail.co.uk or phone: 07798600093
Wee Binnian Walkers
Date: Sunday 10th October 2021
Time: 10:00 – 15:30
Join Wee Binnian Walkers for their upcoming welcome walk. Meeting at Meelmore Lodge The route will be Meelmore Lodge, Trassey Track, Hare’s Gap, Slievenaglogh via the Mourne Wall and return via the ridge to Trassey track and back to Meelmore Lodge. Distance c. 8km with 380m ascent. There will be a stop for lunch en route.
Is this walk for me? This walk has been specifically planned for new or rejoining hill walkers with some uphill experience. Whether you come along with a friend or come on your own a warm welcome awaits and the walk will be lead by experienced walk leaders from the club. Walkers must be aged over 18 yrs and moderately fit.
What to bring: Small rucksack, warm clothes, hill walking boots, waterproofs, backpack with lunch and water.
How to book: Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited. To book email the club: weebinnians@gmail.com
