lough navar forest

The scenic beauty and the variety of the landscape make Northern Ireland a great place to explore on foot. The wide scatter of villages and small towns across the country means that forest trails, clifftop paths, mountain hikes and pleasant strolls in country parks are literally on everybody's doorstep. The best known trail - certainly the longest at 560 miles ! - is the Ulster Way . This famous circular path, now largely waymarked, runs all round Northern Ireland and has other trails coming into join it , notably from Donegal and Cavan, as well as loops and extensions of its own. There are many other country waymarked walks, just as pleasant but more local and less strenuous, such as the North Down Coastal path, and also numerous very popular self guided town trails. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Carry spare clothing. Boots are best. If you walk alone, leave word of your route and expected time of return.