Life

Outdoors: Pick you own at apple orchards

Armagh-based growers are opening their farms to allow visitors to pick their own bounty
Armagh-based growers are opening their farms to allow visitors to pick their own bounty Armagh-based growers are opening their farms to allow visitors to pick their own bounty

Pick you own in the orchards

IT'S harvest time for apples and to make the best of the outdoors in autumn, take a trip to one of the north's ever-growing 'pick your own' (PYO) farms.

The aptly named orchard county of Armagh is particularly wonderful at this time of year, but Antrim, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Derry and Down are also busy down on the farm, bringing in the apples.

The idea is a simple one – lots of farmers have more than enough produce to spare and allow people to come and pick the fruit or vegetables growing on the land.

It's a great way to enjoy not only the outdoors but the season's delights while out in the fresh air. All sorts of jams, chutneys and baking treats – as well as scrumpy – can be made at this time of year from ripe, native apples.

A dedicated website gives all you need to know, including that you should never arrive unannounced: ways to contact the participating farms are clearly listed.

:: Go to Pickyourownfarms.org.uk/northernireland_pyo.php

Mournes calendar

A calendar showing off the beauty of the north's highest peak is available from the good people of the kingdom of Mourne for 2017. The area is a magnet for walking, cycling, adventure and angling, but it's the breathtaking beauty of the region that has captivated all who go there.

Hang one in your home and transport your mind throughout the 12 months of the year to where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea.

The calendars gather together a collection of detailed images of this area of outstanding natural beauty and are priced £15.

Twelve photos have been chosen that all take in the 'golden hour' of sunset and sunrise and featured in a new tourist guide.

:: Go to Mournemountainscalendars.com or call 028 3025 2591 / 077 7085 0015. Email: info@mournemountainscalendars.com.