11 walks in Northern Ireland to tick off your list this autumn
If you enjoy the outdoors you'll enjoy these great walks
Few countries can match Northern Ireland's dramatic landscapes. You can enjoy these trails your own way – take the family or pets. Get your walking boots ready, get active, get outdoors and explore.
Slieve Donard
We'll start with the toughest first, at 850m Northern Ireland's highest peak is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Set aside 3.5-6 hours to complete.
There are two routes up, via Donard Car Park and Bloody Bridge.
For the most popular route (Donard Car Park), follow the Glen River uphill through the forest.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Other peaks in the Mournes
Once you've conquered Slieve Donard, why not out some of the smaller peaks in a day or for more 700m+ challenging climbs head for Slieve Binnian, Slieve Commedagh or Slieve Bearnagh.
More information on climbing Mourne Mountains can be found here
Cuilcagh Mountain
The Legnabrocky Trail is open to the summit of the mountain from the car park about 1 km from the road entrance to Marble Arch Caves. A new boardwalk protects the bog from erosion.
Set aside 5-7 hours to complete.
Dogs are not permitted.
Visitors can use the Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park or Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre.
Carrick-a-Rede
A popular tourist attraction. Connected to cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean. Suspended 100ft (30m) above sea level, it was first erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago.
Set aside 1 hour to complete. A good one for beginners.
You'll need to purchase allocated time tickets.
Causeway Coastal Walk
This superb, two-day 33 mile walking route takes you along Northern Ireland's most celebrated coastline. High cliffs, pass secluded beaches and historic landmarks.
With frequent access points and terrain suitable for all fit walkers, this is one route you'll remember for years to come.
Rostrevor and Kilbroney Forest
The Cloughmore car park is 230m above sea level and provides views of the surrounding forest. There are three trails, which vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles with great views of Carlingford Lough along the way.
Divis and Black Mountain Trial View the city from a different perspective, from above! The Divis Ridge Trail allows the walkers to enjoy 180 degree views across the city and further afield including the Antrim Plateau to the north, Scotland to the east and the Mourne Mountains to the south.
Set aside 2-3 hours to complete. A great flat walk for beginners. 4 miles long.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Cave Hill
One of the most popular city hikes with stunning panoramic views of Belfast from the top. Start at Belfast Castle and join the 'Cave Hill' signposted route.
Set aside 1.5-3 hours to complete. A challenging 4.5 mile hike.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Slemish
It lies a few miles east of Ballymena. This route begins at Slemish Car Park about 15 minutes drive from the village of Broughshane. After following a grassy track to the base of the mountain, walkers choose their own path over rocky terrain to the summit, some 430m above sea level. According to legend, following his capture and being brought to Ireland as a slave, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish.
Set aside 1.5-2 hours to complete. A challenging 1.5 mile steep hike.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
Glenariff Forest Park
Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1000 hectares with planted woodland. The wooden scenic trail (8.9km) guides you through steep sided river gorges with spectacular waterfalls.
From the upper sections of the route there are views of the Glens and of the Mull of Kintyre across the sea. You ford the upper reaches of the Glenariff river at the top of the trail.
It has picnic and barbecue areas as well as a tea house, children's play area and caravan park.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads.
The Gobbins
Only a 40 minute drive from Belfast, The Gobbins is a spectacular coastal walk along the Causeway Coastal Route.
A 2.5 hour fully guided walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to experience the abundance of nature, which exists along this dramatic coastline
Originally opened in 1902, the path has recently been restored and is now enjoyed by visitors from across the world.
You will walk across suspension bridges, through tunnels and along pathways along the breathtaking cliff face. Be amazed by the closeness of Scotland as you peer across the Irish Se. You will learn about the geology and biodiversity of the area.
Access is by guided tour only, booking is available online at www.thegobbinscliffpath.com