01 September 2012 - 04 November 2012

Autumn 2012 will see the launch of the National Trust walking festival the ‘Great NI Walk’, sponsored by PruHealth. The National Trust is aiming to encourage as many people as possible to get their walking shoes on and enjoy some fun, fresh air, fabulous views and much, much more.

The walking festival will take place from 1 September to 4 November and with over 15 walking events on offer at National Trust properties across Northern Ireland and endless miles of open space to explore, there are many reasons to go walking this autumn. Take the chance to get out and discover the stunning surroundings on your own doorstep, socialise with friends and family in some awesome spaces, be inspired by the beautiful vistas and autumn colours, and get active and adventurous along the coastline and in our countryside.

There are walking events and downloadable walks available to suit all levels. So whatever time you have on your hands or whatever your interests, you can be assured there is a National Trust walk to suit you.

If you’re not into strenuous walking, but enjoy being outdoors with friends and family, then why not take an afternoon stroll around the Tree Trail at Rowallane Garden and then enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the new café. Or if you prefer to gain a deeper insight into the environment around you, make sure to look out for the guided walks at Minnowburn, Crom or Portstewart Strand which highlight the unique elements of these special places such as the flora and fauna, wildlife or archaeology. More challenging walks up Slieve Donard and around Castle Ward demesne are also on offer for those seeking adventure or wanting to stretch the legs just a little bit more!

There's no doubt about it, walking is good for you. It is good for your heart, it is good for your lungs and most importantly it is good for your well being. That's why the National Trust wants you to get out and about this autumn, stretch your legs, make new discoveries and enjoy our open spaces.

National Trust Downloadable Walks from www.walkni.com

County Antrim

White Park Bay

3 miles

North Antrim Cliff Path to Dunseverick

4.8 miles

Carrick-a-Rede

2 miles

Divis and the Black Mountain

3.8 - 6.9 miles

Divis Mountain Lough Trail

0.9 miles

Glenoe Waterfall

1 miles

Portmuck

2 miles

Skernaghan Point

3 miles

County Armagh

Ardress House Ladies Mile

1 mile

Ballynoyer Woodland

2 miles

The Argory

2 miles

County Down

Ballyquintin Farm

0.8 - 1.6 miles

Bloody Bridge

1 mile

Castle Ward Farm Trail

2.5 miles

Castle Ward Shore Trail

1.2 miles

Cregagh Glen

1.5 miles

Island Hill & North Strangford Nature Reserve

1.5 miles

Kearney

2.7 miles

Killynether Wood

1.5 miles

Minnowburn & Giant’s Ring

2.1 miles

Mount Stewart Lake & Garden

2.3 miles

Mount Stewart – Ramble for people with limited disability

1.3 miles

Murlough NNR Nature Trail

2.5 miles

Orlock Point

3 miles

Rowallane Garden Woodland Walk & Farmland Trail

1.2 miles

County Fermanagh

Castle Coole Beech Wood Walk

0.5 miles

Crom

4.2 miles

Florence Court Mansion House Walk

2 miles

Florencecourt Forest Park – yew Tree Trail

2 miles

Florencecourt Forest Park – Glen Wood Trail

5 miles

County Londonderry

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

0.5 miles

Springhill House Walk

2 miles

Mussenden Estate Walk

2 - 3 miles

For further details of walking events visit the National Trust website or download National Trust walks and other walks across Northern Ireland at www.walkni.com.

See all events