Favouite Trails and Places from the Outscape Team
It’s hard to believe, but summer really is here! No, honestly, go check the calendar. Keep an eye out for how soon you’ll spot the C word…
In the meantime, the office here is buzzing for the summer and planning where we’ll stretch our legs in the (relatively) good weather.
To help with your plans, the team behind OutmoreNI has rounded up a few personal favourites, from city-edge viewpoints to hidden coastal paths. Read on as we share what makes each spot special and why you might want to add it to your own wishlist.
Philip: Divis Ridge Trail, Belfast Hills
Perched on the very edge of the city, the Divis Ridge Trail is Philip’s go-to loop. At every bend another panorama opens. Belfast Lough in one direction, Lough Neagh and the Antrim Plateau in the other. The route is just long enough for a weekend leg-stretch, but short enough to squeeze into a busy day, giving a real sense of upland wilderness without leaving Belfast behind.
Roisin – Meelmore & Meelbeg Loop, Mourne Mountains
Roisin loves this classic double-summit circuit for its sweeping Mourne views and the flexibility to tack on extra peaks such as Doan or Slieve Bearnagh if time and legs allow. Expect a satisfying ascent, an airy col between the two tops and a postcard panorama over Silent Valley far below.
Chris & Claire – Lagan Towpath, Belfast, Lisburn
Both Chris and Claire rate the Lagan Towpath as their everyday adventure corridor. Running, cycling or walking, it threads past parks, meadows and historic locks, linking family favourites like Barnett Demesne, Belvoir Forest and Minnowburn. Coffee stops and ice-cream vans appear just when you need them, and – fun fact – 80s TV icon Timmy Mallett recently called it one of the best greenways in the UK!
Fiona – Killynether Wood & Scrabo Country Park
Tucked beneath Scrabo Tower, Killynether Wood offers quiet trails, spring bluebells and muddy climbs that her kids (and dog) adore. Hidden paths wind into Scrabo’s heath and quarry landscape, where lofty views sweep from Strangford Lough to the Belfast Hills. “Everything here makes you feel small and connected,” she says, especially when the beech canopy returns to life in May.
Aideen – Killard Nature Reserve, Lecale Coast
Aideen’s coastal pick combines wildflower-rich dunes, sweeping Isle of Man vistas and a foot-only beach known locally as Ben Dearg. On the way, watch seals bob offshore and cormorants drying their wings. With orchids underfoot and turquoise shallows for a post-walk dip, it’s a pocket of tropical-feeling tranquillity just south of Strangford.
Diane – Drumnaph Woodland, Slaughtneil
For seasonal variety, Diane heads to Drumnaph. In early spring frogs teem in the wetlands; May brings carpets of bluebells; summer meadows buzz with butterflies; and autumn paints the ancient oaks gold. Sculptures and three ring-fort raths add a dash of heritage to this little-known network of trails.
Sarah – Redburn Country Park, Holywood
Ten minutes from home, Sarah’s steep woodland circuit delivers year-round interest: bluebells, waterfalls, autumn colour and, at the top, a sweeping Belfast Lough panorama. Look closely and you’ll spot remnants of the old Dunville estate, including a walled garden and a Victorian bear pit; a reminder of Belfast’s quirky past.
Rachel – Kearney Village Trails, Ards Peninsula
Rachel walks these coastal paths daily and “never tires of them”. Seals, hares and the occasional otter patrol rocky coves; sea thrift brightens the cliffs; and National Trust volunteers keep the trail neat. For a longer wander, follow the shoreline north towards New Quay’s hidden harbour cottages or south to Knockinelder Beach.
Ethan – Bessy Bell East, The Sperrins
Walking his dog there once a week for almost 15 years will grow an afinity for a trail. Ethan, accompanied by his faithful pup Lennie, made this trail their home turf. With a steady climb and views that continue to impress, Bessy Bell East is best enjoyed with sunrise. The purple sky gradually illuminates the way, and if you time it just right, the sun will peak over the rest of the Sperrins just as you reach the summit. On a good day, you’ll be treated to views right across the country, including over to Mount Errigal.
Walks shape our work and our wellbeing, so we’re keen to hear what shapes yours. Tell us about your own favourite place or trail by dropping a line to info@outmoreni.com and keep inspiring more people to get Out More this summer.
