Life

Outdoors: An autumn walk at Glenariff and teenage kicks on Cave Hill

Glenariff Forest Park is the location for a charity walk in aid of meningitis
Glenariff Forest Park is the location for a charity walk in aid of meningitis Glenariff Forest Park is the location for a charity walk in aid of meningitis

A FOUR-MILE autumn walk is taking place in Glenariff Forest Park next month in the Glens of Antrim in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation. Known as the Queen of the Glens, Glenariff is a favourite among trekkers and will be showing off its autumn foliage among its waterfalls and viewpoints.

The walk on October 16 starts at 11am moving along the Glenariff River, passing by the Ess-na-Larach and Ess-na-Crub waterfalls. Changing direction, the route will briefly follow the Inver River before leading into deeper forest with its hidden gullies and streams.

Towards the end the group have an option of splitting into two and choosing to continue with the four-mile walk or an alternative route extended by a further two miles. There are rest areas along the way to accommodate a picnic, a river paddle and the odd photo shoot, say organisers.

:: To book call Ashley on 028 9032 1283. For registration forms or to find out more see http://www.meningitis.org/event/glenariff-forest.

TEENAGE KICKS ON CAVE HILL

TEENAGERS can go wild at Cave Hill Country Park today with fun events.

Organised by the Belfast Hills Partnership, the day is aimed at giving young people reason to visit the Belfast Hills, get involved and improve their levels of physical activity and knowledge of biodiversity.

Activities include bushcraft, archery, climbing, digital media and native-wildlife-inspired art. There are two sessions, one morning and one afternoon.

Jo Boylan of the Partnership said: "We hope to improve young people's understanding of the natural world and wildlife, as well as encourage them to discover and explore the Belfast Hills habitats right on their doorsteps.

"That way we hope to empower young people to develop new skills and knowledge that may lead to lifelong participation in these kinds of events and activities."

:: Email: jo.boylan@belfasthills.org; see www.belfasthills.org