Sperrins Walking is back with a programme of walks taking place across Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in September, October 2024 and March 2025.
Developed and delivered by The Sperrins Partnership* and outdoor experts Far and Wild, Sperrins Walking is designed to appeal to a broad range of walkers to enjoy the beautiful landscape as well as promoting health, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Participants will enjoy discovering a destination filled with unique experiences and a great choice of walks ranging from moderate ability to more demanding longer walks.
Experienced guides will lead small walking groups to uncover the stories, history, environment and heritage of this unique landscape.
Sperrins Walking Programme 2024/2025 dates are:
· Mid Ulster District Council Walking Weekend on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September 2024 Moderate walk taking in the Neolithic era from Ballinasolus through Davagh Forest. A more challenging walk in Moneynenagh (Bog of Wonder) through the middle of the Sperrins. On Sunday enjoy a moderate walk taking in Lough Beg overlooking Church Island.
· Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Walking Weekend Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th October 2024 Enjoy a challenging walk in Banagher Glen and forest on the Saturday, followed by a challenging walk over Mullaghaneany, the Borough’s highest point, on the Sunday. Each walk to accommodate max of 20 participants with light refreshments included.
· Derry City & Strabane District Council Walking Weekend Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd March 2025 Themed walk per day; 2 moderate walks Saturday (Sperrins) and Sunday (Killeter) 30 people per walk. Featuring a local community celebration at each event.
· Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Walking Weekend Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd March 2025 1 moderate and 1 challenging walk for max of 30 people per walk on both Saturday and Sunday
Cllr Sean Clarke, Chair of The Sperrins Partnership said: “We are delighted to announce the return of Sperrins Walking. Over the past three years, all four Councils, that make up the Sperrins Partnership, have watched the programme grow and develop in popularity with walkers of all abilities.
“Once again, they’ve all come together to deliver a range of walks to enjoy throughout the beautiful Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) while also promoting health, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. With stunning scenery and expert and experience guides these walks are not to be missed.”
Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Darren Guy attended the launch of this year’s Sperrin Walking Programme.
Encouraging people to come out and take part in the planned walks, Cllr Guy said: “The walks in this year’s programme are in some of the most beautiful settings in our locality.
“We are very lucky to live with such stunning scenery right on our doorstep and we should all take the opportunity to get out and enjoy everything the countryside has to offer.
“Experienced guides will lead each of these walks so you will be able to explore safely and to benefit from their knowledge about the environment and heritage of the area you are walking in.
“There are walks available to suit a variety of abilities – from moderate abilities to more experienced walkers – so I would encourage everyone to lace up their walking boots and get out and enjoy the spectacular Sperrins.”
Lorcan McBride, Sperrins Walking guide, added: “With our expert walking guides on hand, the walks will delight and engage everyone who takes part in the experience.
“This year’s programme, once again, features walks suited to those with moderate ability to those who like a walking challenge.
“The walks will traverse across the Sperrins uncovering the majestic landscape, the unique environment and the rich history and heritage of the area.”
For further information on the Sperrins Walking programme and to book your place visit: https://farandwild.org/land/ or https://sperrinspartnershipproject.com/sperrins-walking/ #SperrinsWalking
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