As we get into the rhythm of 2024, we’re excited to continue expanding the number of walks on offer on WalkNI. In addition to the hundreds of diverse walks already featured on our website, we’re constantly helping to develop more trails to enhance your walking experience all over Northern Ireland. To celebrate the start of this year, we’re showcasing some of the newest walks that have been added to our repertoire. Be sure to get the walking boots on and give them a visit!

1. Tievenadarragh Trail

Nestled in County Down, the Tievenadarragh Trail offers a 6km loop that skirts the edge of lush woodlands, providing a maximized walking experience. For those looking for a shorter journey, a midway shortcut leads back to the car park through mixed woodland. The trail is easily navigable, marked by green waymarker discs. As you meander through Tivenadarragh Wood, take in the sweeping views of the County Down countryside and the majestic Mourne Mountains. The wood’s name, meaning “hillside of the oak tree” in Irish, hints at its historical use for firewood and sporting purposes.

2. Mullaghcarn Trail in Gortin Glen Forest Park

For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Mullaghcarn Trail awaits in Gortin Glen Forest Park. This trail diverges from the Pollan Trail, leading adventurers towards the summit of Mullaghcarn and its impressive Giant Sculpture. Reaching the summit at 542m, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views across the province, encompassing the Sperrins’ beauty and grandeur.

3. Aughrim Hill Wood

Aughrim Hill, set in the heart of the Mourne mountains, is undergoing a transformation. Once a bare hillside, it’s now becoming a vibrant habitat with over 110,000 native trees covering 60 hectares. Multiple routes offer varied perspectives of County Down. Whether you choose to head towards the Telephone Mast, circle the newly planted woodland, or delve into the trees, each path promises its own unique experience.

4. Bangor – Ulster Scots Walk

This 3-mile coastal walk, rich in Ulster-Scots heritage, stretches from Bangor’s Ballyholme Beach to Groomsport and back. The path meanders past Ballymacormick Point and along the shore to Groomsport harbour. With flat terrain and scenic coastal views, it’s an accessible route for many. The journey is adorned with gorse bushes, reminiscent of Ulster-Scots poetry, and offers glimpses of Scotland on clear days. The walk is a historical journey as much as it is a scenic one, tracing the developments of Sir James Hamilton and his Scottish tenants in the 1600s.

Content sourced from WalkNI (walkni.com).