Mourne Mountains voted best walking area

Mourne Mountains voted best walking area

16 January 2019

THE spectacular Mourne Mountains have again been voted Northern Ireland’s favourite walking destination in the 2018 WalkNI Awards. 

It is the third year in a row that the picturesque mountain range managed by the National Trust has won the coveted award, with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty also coming out on top in a host of other categories, including favourite place to watch a sunrise/sunset.

Murlough Nature Reserve — located at the foot of the Mournes and also managed by the National Trust — won the most favourite nature reserve category, while the hugely popular Mourne International Walking Festival came out on top in the favourite walking festival/event.

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, was voted the most favourite summit in the Mournes, while Meelmore Lodge Café picked up the ‘favourite walker friendly coffee shop’ award, pipping the Lagan’s Lock Keepers Cottage in a hotly contested category.

The annual awards highlight the very best of walking in Northern Ireland by allowing the public to vote for their favourite walking destinations across the country. 

Featuring some new categories including favourite place to walk your dog and favourite place to watch a sunrise/sunset, the awards proved more popular than ever, with over 1,700 votes cast via WalkNI.com.

It provides a definitive guide to walking in Northern Ireland and up-to-date information on routes for both the serious rambler and those who just want to take a short stroll. 

Jayne Woodrow, who manages WalkNI.com, said the awards continue to grow in popularity year on year, fuelled by an increase in walkers to places like the Mournes.

“It is easy to see why the Mournes continue to be the most popular walking destination, with its stunning back and wide variety of walks,” she said. “It is an endless resource of natural beauty for walkers in Northern Ireland.

“The awards enable us to showcase the outstanding quality and wide-range of walks that are available across Northern Ireland and we are delighted to have National Trust sites feature so prominently this year, offering unforgettable walking experiences in Northern Ireland.”

Heather McLachlan, National Trust Regional Director, said it was “fantastic” that so many of the organisation’s properties won multiple accolades in the 2018 WalkNI Awards.

She added: “Our properties are suitable for a wide range of walkers offering something for everyone from sandy beach walks and forest strolls to trails around historic estates and spectacular cliff top views.”

Mark Murnin, Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman, said the local authority was “absolutely delighted” that the Mournes has once again come out top in the WalkNI Awards. 

“The mountain range, surrounding lowlands and forest areas offer endless routes for walkers and families to experience wild landscapes, breathtaking views and the best sunsets,” he continued.

“The International walking festival and charity walks such as the Cancer Focus Moonlit Walk encourage new people to come and explore the area. The Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is simply unique, making it a superb walking destination.”

• For the full list of award winners and more information on walking routes throughout Northern Ireland, including the winning trails, upcoming walking festivals, events and downloadable walk guides, visit WalkNI.com.