Romantic Walks

What could be more romantic than a long country walk across the beautiful Mountains of Mourne, a stroll across Portstewart Strand, or a riverside walk in Glenariff Forest Park? 

Northern Ireland, with its diverse and beautiful landscape, compact distances, and clearly marked and mapped ‘Quality Walks’, offer a variety of walking routes that are guaranteed to raise the heart beat!

The tranquil beauty of Roe Valley Country Park creates a perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll. The most interesting walks are on the easy riverside paths along the plunging rapids, sheer-walled gorges and wooded banks of the lovely River Roe. You can also see several historic buildings associated with the famous local linen industry and follow the story of the powerful O’Cahan clan who once ruled the surrounding area. The most famous rapid is known as the Dogleap.  At this point the river is channeled through a rocky gap around 2-metres wide and is named after an O’Cahan dog which leapt over the channel to warn of approaching attack.

If you like a little variety on your travels, the tranquil four-hour walk from Lisburn into Belfast along the Lagan Towpath is made for you. Follow the old narrow boat route along the lovely Lagan River past long stretches of woodland, meadow and luxuriant parkland as well as a series of locks and traditional lock-keepers cottages. The banks of the river and adjoining canal in the dual waterway system have been largely preserved in their natural state and are home to otters, kingfishers and various kinds of wildfowl. The walk takes you through the Lagan Valley Regional Park, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and you can detour into the formerly private estate, Barnett Demesne.

Lower Lough Erne lies at the heart of the lakeland region of County Fermanagh and a recommended walk in this area is a stroll through the ancient oak woodland of Correl Glen, justifiably described as a ‘Fairy Glen’.  The walk follows a wooded ravine cut by the Sillees River, as it bubbles and foams between birch, oak, and holly. The path passes through the damp, shady wood where the branches are draped with mosses and lichens, giving it a romantic air of fantasy.

Perhaps Orchard County tickles your fancy and you will find an inspiring walk in the beautiful Loughgall Country Park. Stunning during apple blossom season, you will no doubt find it just as beautiful in February with your loved one!  There are 3 walks around this Country Park, all starting from the car park and taking in a range of open ground, orchards and woodland areas. You can savour some local history at the old ice house and lime kilns and you may even see kestrels hovering, buzzards hunting and a variety of songbirds. Brown hares and foxes are also regularly seen throughout the estate.

Glenariff, the ‘Queen of the Glens’ is home to the impressive Glenariff Forest Park.  The rocky-sided gorges, tumbling waterfalls and whispering evergreens provide a spectacular waterfall walkway.  Four waymarked trails of varying length wind through the Forest Park, leading walkers through some of its most splendid wooded areas.  The Waterfall Walk is probably the most dramatic of all, following the Glenariff River downstream past sparkling rapids and tranquil pools. At the head of the ravine is the most famous waterfall in the Glens, the thundering, double drop Ess-na-Larach, or ‘Fall of the Mare’, with its billowing, refreshing spray.  The other forest trails offer romantic panoramic landscapes and gentle riverside walks.

Or perhaps your loved one would enjoy the romance of panoramic views?  The 853m ascent to the summit of Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains offers supreme views of the Mourne region, most of County Down and across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and parts of Scotland!  A bracing climb not for the fainthearted but if you like a challenge the most popular route begins from Donard Park in Newcastle and approaches the peak via the Glen River Trail and the Mourne Wall.

And in County Tyrone a refreshing walk around the shore of Lough Macrory will wow your loved one. 
A charming tree lined gravel path follows the shoreline of this beautiful, unspoilt freshwater environment. You might even be lucky enough to glimpse the electric blue flash of a kingfisher, or see the swans and wild geese that visit. Chances are, you’re sure to see the indigenous brown trout surface for food.
The assessment of Northern Ireland’s walking routes has been carried out by walkers for walkers. By choosing a Quality Walk you can leave home with the knowledge your selected route is one of the best Northern Ireland has to offer!

For more details click here to download a copy of Walk Northern Ireland
or
check out www.walkni.com.