It has to be said that Walking in Northern Ireland is an experience not to be missed! 
The spectacular scenery, hospitality, culture and craic are just a few reasons why Northern Ireland is a must for all walkers. 

Stride out in any direction and you will find great walking country. Mountains, Moorlands, Country Parks, Forest Parks and Nature Reserves all provide great walks for hikers, as well as for local Sunday strollers and recreational ramblers. 

A series of Waymarked Ways have been developed throughout Northern Ireland. The walks, circular or linear, are suitable for walkers of any standard and like many of the other walks in Northern Ireland, meander along coastlines and riversides, through forests and glens. You'll certainly not be disappointed with the variety of walks available and the sights to behold along the way. 

Another excellent way to experience Northern Ireland on foot and mix with the local community is to partake in one of the many Walking Festivals! 

Festivals are held from February through to October, so you will be sure to fit one relaxing and fun days walking into your otherwise busy schedule.

SILENT VALLEY A popular approach to the Mournes. Note the clear unpeaty water of the Glen River, striking rock strata, fine trees. The wood fades away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne Wall, built 1904-22 to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley which was damned in the 1920’s.  Look back down the glen to the elegant sweep of the bay. From here to the wall provides a perfect if steep guide to the summit of Slieve Donard, Ulster’s highest peak – not to be missed if the weather is good. Brandy Pad is an old smuggler’s trail.

Silent Valley

Passing below The Castles (rock towers) look south where isolated granite towers (tors) stand here and there on the ridges. They seem almost man-made. 

You might be side tracked up 400 ft (120m) to inspect the Diamond Rocks. Beyond the Hare’s Gap it’s a long tramp along Trassey River. Examine the sheep pens, where strays were probably kept after the hill had been gathered and the sheep sorted out according to their fleece-marks. Now you pass gorse banks, then Ulster Way signs and stiles, hazel coppice, young fir plantation and a fully grown wood of big Douglas firs. Just before Parnell’s Bridge Ulster Way goes south but you stay with the river bank. Do not cross the bridge but go straight down to the small lake.

DISTANCE 12 Miles (19KM)
MINIMUM TIME 6 HOURS
OS REF 373304 SHEET 29

LAGAN TOW PATH The  Lagan River Tow Path is a walkway constructed along the river from Stranmillis to Lisburn with plans to run to Moira and Lough Neagh. There is an entrance close to Edenderry where you can visit the Giants Ring.

The Lagan Tow Path