THE Mourne Mountains have been crowned best walking destination in Northern Ireland while the Causeway Coast and Glens get the vote for most epic view.
The locations were voted for by the public as part of the inaugural WalkNI Awards. Celebrating all that is great about walking in Northern Ireland, award categories included favourite walking destination and routes as well as the best views, festivals and events with 1,400 votes being cast.
The Mournes also claimed awards in two other categories including the annual Mourne International Walking Festival winning best walking festival. The best route in the Mournes was Slieve Donard via Glen River path.
Other gongs for Causeway Coast and Glens included the Causeway Coast Challenge Walk. The event, organised by local walking group Bannside Ramblers, picked up best walk challenge event. Ballintoy to Bushmills along the Causeway Coast Way, took the award for best route in the Causeway Coast and Glens’.
Belfast man Dermot Breen took home the outstanding achievement through walking award for his inspirational fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK while walking 652 miles along the Ulster Way in memory of his wife.
Sarah Nelson who manages WalkNI.com said: “These awards are a fantastic way of showcasing the outstanding walking product we have available in Northern Ireland. Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and with beautiful landscapes like the Mournes and Causeway Coast on our doorstep there are lots of opportunities to get out exploring.”
The winning view overlooking Benbane Head along the Causeway Coast Way was praised by council Alderman Maura Hickey of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, who said: “With this particular view being recognised as the best in Northern Ireland, the secret is finally out and we look forward to welcoming more walkers to this area of unique natural beauty.”
Visit WalkNI.com for a full list of award winners and for more information on walking routes throughout Northern Ireland as well as upcoming walking festivals, events and downloadable walk guides.
