Looking outside the office today, the sun is shining and the sky is clear, perfect walking weather and puts me in mind of where to go this summer to test out my legs and uk outdoor clothing. Where to go through? The Lakes or Snowdonia perhaps, but I want to go somewhere entirely new, so I’m looking at Northern Ireland as a possibility. Let’s see what is on offer.

Found a list of 10 walking festivals taking place throughout the year and all across the country, from Fermanagh in the West to Newcastle in the East and Colraine in the North, so I have a great choice and here are a few details on four of them which may give you a few ideas

Boots N’ Bogs Walking Festival: 12-14 April 2014. The Knockatallon and Cooneen Rambling clubs organise this cross-border, two-day festival in the Sliabh Beagh Hills of North Monaghan & East Fermanagh. There are a variety of walks as part of this festival including routes through the lush green landscape, forests and blanket bog exploratory rambles of the bogs of Sliagh Beagh Hills. Here you will find one of the finest examples of blanket bog in Ireland. All walks are guided by competent leaders and light refreshments are provided after events.

Mourne International Walking Festival: 27-29 June 2014.This internationally recognised festival offers walkers, of all levels of fitness, stunning routes in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside. These routes vary between 10k and 40k at both high and low level. The festival takes place over 3 days alternating each year between Newcastle and Warrenpoint in Co Down.

On each of the 3 days of the festival there are a variety of self-guided lowland walks with all routes fully way marked. On the Saturday there is generally a mountain hike requiring a high level of fitness and experience of walking within a mountain environment. There is usually a slightly less strenuous alternative which also takes place on the Saturday. 

The festival not only offers excellent walking but also entertainment. The bars will be packed full of walkers in the evening and there is always a great buzz and plenty of traditional music playing into the wee hours. The social highlight of the weekend is the ‘Blister Ball’ on the Saturday evening which is a casual dance event with a hot supper followed by lively entertainment.

Sperrins Walking Festival: 19-20 July 2014. The Sperrins Walking Festival offers walkers the chance to enjoy some of the finest walking and rambling, set against some of Ireland’s most spectacular and stunning scenery. The festival caters for all abilities of walkers from family & history walks, to moderate and challenging walks, all of which are guided by professional walking guides. The festival is located in the picturesque village of Plumbridge. Activities and events will take place throughout the weekend.

Wee Binnian Walking Festival: 12-14 September. This Festival offers an action packed programme of guided mountain and lowland walks in the Mournes, Slieve Gullion and Cooley Mountains over varying distances and difficulties, catering for all hill walkers. This festival is renowned for great walking and lively social scene.  

 

Known as the social club that walks, the Newry-based Wee Binnian Walkers organise this fun-filled festival, and offer no less than 9 guided walks over the weekend. So take your pick or use that stamina to tackle them all.

The festival has been much acclaimed for its balance of fabulous landscapes, friendly people and nightly entertainment. The programme offers guided mountain and lowland walks of varying distances and difficulties catering from the novice to the most experienced hill walker. The lower level ‘Gap of the North History Trail’ and ‘Smugglers Walk’ are firm favourites for those who enjoy shorter walks full of history, folklore and great scenery. The Festival also includes the infamous Blister Ball on the Saturday night.

So plenty to choose from and spread throughout the year to experience different weather conditions and various types of walks so lets see what uk outdoor clothing bargains I can find on the website to help me enjoy these new trips. More information on theses festivals and more can be found on the appropriate websites.