Belfast Hills Walking Festival

2020 Date to be Announced

In aid of the North West Mountain Rescue Team (NWMRT) held in association with the National Trust and Cotswold Outdoor.

The event will be held on the Belfast Hills, starting and finishing at the National Trust car park at Divis Mountain.

There are two types of walks to choose from: a 10km circular walk, and a 20km circular walk. The 10 km walk is suitable for all, with any level of fitness and age. The 20 km walk is suitable for those experienced in hill walking with a good level of fitness. Children under 13 years of age can only attend the 10 km if accompanied by an adult or as part of an organised and insured youth group.

The NWMRT is your local Mountain Rescue Team and we are entirely voluntary, relying heavily on donations and fundraising events. This is your opportunity to meet team members and experience a marshalled walk along Divis and the Black Mountain, some of the most stunning views of Belfast, Antrim, the Mournes and beyond!

Boots N’ Bogs Walking Festival

2020 Date to be Announced

The Knockatallon and Cooneen Rambling clubs organise this cross-border, two-day festival in the Sliabh Beagh Hills of North Monaghan & East Fermanagh.

There are a variety of walks as part of this festival including routes through the lush green landscape, forests and blanket bog exploratory rambles of the bogs of 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 are provided after events.

Castlerock Walkfest

2020 Date to be Announced

Join us for a range of guided walks along the beautiful North Coast.

There are walks for all. A Hill walk, Challenge Walks, Moderate Walks, History Walks, a 10k step Walk, a Nordic Walk, a Family Walk and a Toddlers and Parent Event.

The Hill Walk and one of the Challenge Walks are on and around Binevenagh, they and the Altikerragh Walk all offer magnificent views of Inishowen, Lough Foyle, Magilligan and the North Coast as far as Portrush.

Our History walks offer the story of Castlerock and/or that of Earl Bishop Hervey the man behind the North Coast Icon the Mussenden Temple.

The Family walk takes place in the Downhill Demesne and is led by an environmentalist who works with children. The Toddler and Parent Event offers an opportunity for our future walkers.

All walks of course are rewarded with tea and scones. For more information see contacts below.

Contact and Booking 

Causeway Coast Challenge Walk

Sunday 3rd May 2020

A 30km distance challenge walk organised by the Bannside Ramblers. The route follows the scenic cliff top path from Portballintrae past the Giants Causeway to Portbradden and back again.

The undulating path is well defined and surfaced but contains a number of muddy ascents and descents and crosses occasional loose rocks and stones.

Participants must commence their walk by 9:15am and finish by 5:00pm. On completion of the walk badges and certificates are available for those doing the full distance.

Glenarm Walking Festival

2020 Date to be Announced

Glenarm Walk Leaders extend a very warm welcome to walkers of all levels of fitness and interests to this years walking festival. Choose from walks through a mix of mountains, forests, coastline, historic villages and the Glenarm Estate, ancestral home to the Mc Donnell family, Earls of Antrim.

Full details and online booking available from early August.

Omagh & Sperrins Walking Weekend

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March 2020

All walks take place within the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area. On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, you can choose a moderate or challenging walk to experience the Sperrins in your own way.

Walk the Glens Festival

2020 Date to be Announced

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.   There are two walks on the Saturday; a long walk and a shorter walk, and two walks on the Sunday.

Walkers participating in Saturday’s Walk 1 and Sunday’s Walk must be over 16 years of age.

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.

Wee Binnian Walking Festival

11th – 13th September 2020

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.