THE Mourne Mountains have been named Northern Ireland’s favourite walking destination by rambling enthusiasts.
The Mournes come top in five other categories in the Walk NI survey with the annual Mourne Wall Challenge managing to win best walking festival of 2019.
It was also voted Northern Ireland’s Best Bucket List Walk by over 2,700 walkers who took part in the survey, ranging from the veteran serial ramblers to casual walkers out for a break.
Three other local beauty spots also featured highly in the survey
Castlewellan Forest Park was named Favourite Family Friendly Walk, Tollymore Forest Park’s River Trail won in the Favourite Walk Category and Murlough Nature Reserve was named Favourite Place to Walk Your Dog.
Walk NI Awards manager Jayne Woodrow says the awards received a record breaking number of votes across nine categories throughout November and December.
She added: “This has been our most popular awards to date with intense competition between category nominees.
“With so many fantastic walks and its spectacular scenery it is easy to see why the Mournes came out on top once again.”