Walks for families in Northern Ireland where you can bring a buggy (pram). There is no better activity at the weekend than a family walk. However, for many with younger children finding a walk where you can bring the buggy can be trickier than you would imagine. Steps, steep slopes and wet, boggy terrain can just be some of the deterrents for those with young children. To help you plan your next weekend adventure we have identified a few of the top buggy friendly walks in Northern Ireland.

Stormont Estate Woodland Walk & Fitness Trail, Co. Antrim

2.4 mile circular walk along a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths (a shorter 2km option is also available). This walk provides the ideal family walk through woodland and parkland in the grounds of Parliament Buildings. This route follows the waymarked “Long Woodland Walk” through the grounds of the estate following the orange coloured arrows. Around the estate, you will also find beautiful formal gardens, the historic Parliament Buildings, statues, memorials and some interesting WW2 sites. Bench seating, picnic tables and facilities for barbeques are dotted throughout the walks, so you will always have somewhere to relax and enjoy the views. A large playpark is also within the grounds for the children to enjoy and burn off some energy.

Castle Archdale Forest Park – Tom’s Island Walk, Co. Fermanagh

A 1.9 mile circular woodland walk showcasing the best of Castle Archdale Forest. This trail to Tom’s Island meanders through deep woodland beside the shores of Lower Lough Erne. Be sure to stop at the picnic or resting areas on Tom’s Island to enjoy the panoramic views over the lake towards White Island and Davy’s Island. This walk provides you with the best opportunity to glimpse the pine marten, hedgehogs, foxes and red squirrels that you can often hear foraging in the foliage. This area has been identified as an important habitat for red squirrels and is promoted by the Fermanagh Red Squirrel Group.

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Co. Antrim

A 2-mile circular woodland trail passes the playpark before following the park perimeter to reach the Meadow Trail. Enjoy the various flowers in the magnificent meadows before turning right into more dense woodland. This section of woodland trail includes some steep climbs and descents however also offers splendid views over the entire park. Terrain: This trail is all compacted gravel some of which is slightly muddy underfoot so please be aware of this when walking with a buggy.

Plantin Park, Co. Derry~Londonderry

Enjoy a 0.6-mile circular stroll through the Plantin Park hidden away in the middle of Draperstown. The walk is on surfaced pathways over footbridges and along a small tributary of the Moyola River. The trail can be accessed from the Derrynoid Road entrance or via Moykeeran Housing Estate on the Tobermore Road. Following a circular route the trail leads uphill to a view point with lovely views northwest towards Mullaghmore and Moydamlaght forest. For such a small area there is a good mix of habitat that attracts birdlife, insects and wildlife including bats, grey squirrel and fox.

Castlewellan Forest Park – Lakeside Walk, Co. Down

Winner of the 2022 WalkNI Award Category ‘Best place to walk as a family in Northern Ireland’ this 2.4 mile circular walk is ideal for families looking to get out for a walk with young children in buggies and small kids on bikes. This relatively flat trail around the lake follows green waymarkers. With excellent views across the lake and the surrounding woodland the trail passes close to the Ice House and the iconic Castle built in 1856. The park also features a natural play area, peace maze and picnic benches so you can spend more time together in nature.

Gortin Glen Forest Park, Co. Tyrone

The trails within Gortin Glen Forest Park offer families a variety of trails to explore. For those looking a short buggy walk the park offers enjoyable low level trails through the woodland past the duckpond, park and deer enclosure. Lots of picnic benches are available in the area surrounding the car parks ideal for a family picnic. A local coffee vendor can also often be found onsite during busy peak periods. The Nature Trail offers a more challenging 1.2-mile circular walk on forest tracks, the trail takes in a range and variety of habitats. Information points along the way give a broad insight into the nature of Gortin Glen and the surrounding countryside.

Lough Fea, Co. Tyrone

Set in wild mountain scenery, Lough Fea is one of the many delightful lakes dotted throughout the Sperrins Region. Covering 180 acres this natural beauty spot is an anglers dream and also supplies the entire area and beyond with fresh water. The 2.5-mile walkway around Lough Fea is a haven for local walkers and tourists alike. A mix of panoramic scenery and calming waters make this the ideal place for an idyllic evening walk. Children’s play area and toilet facilities are provided on site.

Drumkeeragh Forest Park, Co. Down

Drumkeeragh Forest Park offers a variety of trails for those waking with a buggy. These walks include a short 1.4-mile circular trail through to a longer 4.3 mile trail that takes in more of the forest. The views from Drumkeeragh are fantastic and a variety of picnic benches are available close to the car park.

Content sourced from Walk NI (walkni.com).