Majestic Mourne Mountains are top walking destination in the province

Majestic Mourne Mountains are top walking destination in the province

18 January 2017

THE spectacular Mourne Mountains have been voted the best walking destination in Northern Ireland.

The stunning range has been voted the Province’s number one by members of the public in the inaugural WalkNI Awards, with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty also claiming awards in two other categories.

The annual Mourne International Walking Festival won the ‘best walking festival’ accolade, with the walk to Slieve Donard via the Glen River topping the poll for the ‘best route’ in the Mournes.

Celebrating all that is great about walking in Northern Ireland, the WalkNI Award categories also included most epic view, best walk challenge event, favourite walking routes and an ‘outstanding achievement through walking award’, with 1,400 votes cast via WalkNI’s website.

Sarah Nelson, who manages the website, described the awards as a “fantastic way” of showcasing the outstanding walking product  in Northern Ireland. 

“Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and with beautiful landscapes like the Mournes on our doorstep, there are lots of opportunities to get out exploring,” she added.

Heather Wilson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s countryside officer and joint organiser of the international walking festival, said the local authority was absolutely delighted to hear the Mournes had won multiple awards.  

“The mountain range offers endless routes for walkers to experience a beautifully wild landscape with breath-taking views,” she said. “Every year, the festival brings in out of state visitors who fall in love with this compact, yet impressive mountain range.

“From the rocky outcrops on the summits and stunning reservoir views to the distinctive Mourne Wall the entire Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is simply unique. All of these elements and the fact it is home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak make it a superb destination for a walking festival.”

The Mournes beat off stiff competition from other popular walking areas including the Causeway Coast and Glens, Sperrin Mountains, Belfast Hills, Fermanagh Lakelands and Strangford Lough to win the coveted title.