Blog (Walking) - Visit Mourne Mountains

Don’t let the winter temperatures and dark nights get you down, why not get off the sofa and get moving. 

There is something enchanting about nature in the winter landscape, if you’re lucky enough get some snow, then appreciate the ultimate beauty of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark in the cold season, admiring glistening snow-covered trees and mountain tops whilst enjoying the crunch of snow beneath your boots.

There is a special kind of magic in Mourne Gullion Strangford, a place where mountain trails melt into forest paths, where every walk seems to end with the promise of a warm cup of coffee in a village café or brew van.

Whether you’re climbing the granite peaks of Mourne, chasing the slopes of Slieve Gullion or wandering the serene shores of Strangford Lough, this corner of Northern Ireland invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour the landscape, one sip at a time.

As autumn sweeps across the landscapes of  Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion everything transforms into a tapestry of rich reds, golds, and oranges. This area is known for its breathtaking beauty year-round, but during autumn, it offers an especially stunning spectacle of vibrant foliage and scenery.

From towering trees to mystical trails, the Mourne Gullion Strangford region is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting forest walks. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a family day out, or a scenic adventure, these five forest parks offer something for everyone. Lace up your boots and discover the magic of our woodlands!

Autumn in Northern Ireland is a season like no other. As the air turns crisp, mist settles over the valleys, and forests burst into shades of amber, russet, and gold, Mourne Gullion Strangford becomes a true autumn wonderland. From forest parks to lakeside trails, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the best autumn walks in Northern Ireland — perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who loves the magic of the outdoors. 

The Mourne Rambler is a scenic circular bus service, operated by Translink, that begins and ends at Newcastle Bus Station, weaving its way through the breathtaking heart of the Mourne Mountains. Along the route, it stops at key locations that provide easy access to popular walking trails, peaceful reservoirs, picturesque valleys, and charming villages. Designed with walkers, families, and day-trippers in mind, the service offers a relaxed and flexible way to explore this stunning landscape at your own pace.

The Heritage Walks Festival is a range of walks providing a great opportunity to connect with local heritage and environment in the Downpatrick area between Monday 9 and Sunday 15 June 

The Mourne Gullion Strangford regions offer a tapestry of landscapes waiting to be explored. Whether you're seeking challenging mountain trails, gentle coastal paths, or family-friendly forest walks. This guided list of the top 30 walks in Mourne Gullion Strangford suggested by Walk NI will help you uncover the best routes to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this UNESCO Global Geopark.

May is National Walking Month 2025, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Mourne Gullion Strangford. This month-long campaign encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to get outside and enjoy the simple pleasure of walking – something we’re spoiled for in this area of outstanding beauty.

Spring in the Mourne, Gullion and Strangford area is something out of a fairytale—and few sights capture that magic quite like a woodland carpeted in bluebells.

There’s nothing quite like a springtime ramble through Castlewellan Forest Park, especially when you’ve got a curious border collie like Finn leading the way, nose to the ground and tail in the air. We set out on a bright morning, keen to stretch our legs and take in some of the fresh Mourne Mountain air – and Castlewellan didn’t disappoint.