Escape to the mountains
Discover some exciting ways to explore the mountains of the North
MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE, CO DOWN
The Mournes are a stunning mountain range in the volcanic landscape of the Ring of Gullion. With 12 peaks rising above 600 metres, there are a variety of walking routes to explore. Rise to the challenge of reaching the tallest peak of the mountains, Slieve Donard, at 850 metres high. A rewarding moderate to strenuous five-hour walk (9km) starting in Donard car park and up the Glen River will get you to the summit. Although the hike can be steep in parts, it is achievable for those with a basic level of fitness. There’s not just the option of climbing the mountains, you can fly over them too! Thrillseekers can soar like an eagle over the Mournes in a Microlight Flight and marvel over the scenery below. Trial flights at Northern Ireland Microlights flying school are available from £85 and tuition costs £90 per hour (all inclusive). www.visitmournemountains.co.uk www.nimicrolights.co.uk
DAVAGH FOREST TRAILS, CO TYRONE
Davagh Forest is located 12 miles from Cookstown in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains. The forest offers a gentle walking trail, as well as exciting cross-country mountain biking trails. Families and beginners can start off on Davagh’s gentle green mountain bike trail or enjoy the faster-flowing blue trail. The blue trail includes some more technical options for those with a bit more confidence. The red trail at Davagh Forest starts with a long steady climb before opening up fabulous views, exhilarating descents and some extreme slab features. Bike hire can be pre-booked. www.mountainbikeni.com
DIVIS AND BLACK MOUNTAIN, CO ANTRIM
With panoramic views over Belfast, Divis and the Black Mountain in Hannahstown is a haven for those seeking the wild countryside experience. There are a range of walking routes available, one of which is the Divis and Black Mountain Summit Trail for professional walkers. The threemile route takes about 50 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes. It takes you along the Tipperary Road through open heath and blanket bog, following a way-marked trail to the highest peak in the Belfast Hills, Divis Mountain. Look out at the city below and experience magnificent views of Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough. If you’re walking at Divis, be sure to stop by Divis Coffee Barn for some homemade treats and a hot drink. Fun fact: Universal Pictures filmed several scenes of the film ‘Dracula Untold’ at Divis Mountain. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ divis-and-the-black-mountain
SLIEVE GULLION, CO ARMAGH
The Slieve Gullion walk is located within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB is an area of national landscape importance and is centred on the craggy, heather-covered hills of a ring dyke volcano that erupted over 50 million years ago. (A ring dyke is a long mass of igneous rock that cuts across the structure of adjacent rock.) The Ring of Gullion is the most famous ring dyke in the world having featured in geological debate and theory over the past 160 years. Slieve Gullion Forest Park also offers the opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails and views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins. Children can also play in the Adventure Playpark and explore the Giant’s Lair in the Hawthorn Hill Forest Nature Reserve and woodland trails. www.ringofgullion.org