As we head into the Christmas period and stuff ourselves with mince pies, turkey and mulled wine, it’s a fantastic time to get out into the fresh air and walk off some of the festive overindulgence.
Northern Ireland is filled with wonderful walks that are waiting to be explored and enjoyed in the crisp winter weather. From coasts, to lakes, to beaches and forests, there’s a walk to suit every taste. Here are 5 of our favourites:
What we love about Castlewellan Forest Park is that it has so many different trails that are great for walkers of different levels. One of the world’s largest hedge mazes, Peace Maze is well worth a visit if you want something a bit tougher than a standard winter walk!
If you love to experience the varied and stunning wildlife that peatland and woodland habitats have to offer, Peatlands park could be the perfect location for your winter walk.and their varied wildlife. It’s a beautiful and relaxing place to walk for sure.
Fancy a bit of a hike but don’t want to tackle a huge mountain? Cave Hill Country Park could be the ideal choice. The ascent to the top isn’t too taxing and you’ll be rewarded with views over the city. Remember to take a hat, gloves and a scarf as the wind gets quite chilly!
We love a winter beach walk and Downhill Beach definitely delivers. This beach is a fantastic walk whatever season you visit and you can stop by Mussenden Temple and Bishop’s Gate whilst you’re there!
Castle Ward Shore Trail is a fantastic opportunity to spot some migrating birds and the shoreline is a beautiful sight to behold. Want to take the whole family? Castle Ward Shore Trail can be done at your own leisurely pace and there are even play areas for children to enjoy.
All of these beautiful walks are just a stone’s throw away from our range of
holiday parks in NI so if you’re spending Christmas at your holiday home or you’re thinking about purchasing your very own second home, it’s too easy to enjoy a magical winter walk here.