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Best medium hikes in County Down
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Best medium hikes in County Down

Ready for a bit more of a challenge? These medium-difficulty hikes offer the perfect balance between effort and reward.

Here are some great hikes to explore in County Down.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (30) · 10.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 7 min

2

Medium

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (9) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

3

Medium

Ring of Gullion Way

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 3.0 (1) · 63.8 km · Est. 4 days

4

Medium

Rostrevor - Cloughmore Stone

County Down, Northern Ireland · star N/A (0) · 1.1 km · Est. 18 min

5

Medium

Granite Trail - Donard Loop and Bogie Line

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 36 min

6

Medium

Cairn Wood Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 2.5 km · Est. 39 min

7

Medium

Donard Forest Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 7.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 1 min

8

Medium

Lough Shannagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.0 (1) · 12.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 11 min

9

Medium

Trassey to Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 11.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 10 min

10

Medium

Slieve Binnian Mountains and Blue Lough Loop

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 11.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 12 min

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Reviews for medium hikes in County Down

Ciaran Gaughan avatar

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

HikingIreland · reviewed over 3 years ago

star star star star star

well maintained, an easy route to follow. The hike itself can is strenuous but not overly steep. The views are what make this hike special. in my opinion It’s far more impressive than donard. Fantastic hike, well worth it

Declan Whelan avatar

Hen - Cock and Pigeon Rock

Declan · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

The Trail on the App is pretty easy to follow. Deviated slightly as it didn’t summit “Hen” so did that and rejoined the trail on the other side. All in all it was spot on and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t done hen cock and pigeon to use this route. Note: “Difficult” as labelled.

Holger S. avatar

Ring of Gullion Way

Holger S. · reviewed about 4 years ago

star star star star star

Great views, but most of it is on tarmac, so it's rather hard on your joints. Unfortunately there are currently two problems with the route: 1. Around km 28/mile 17.5 there is no path. I had to follow a sort of game trail, climb over a barbed wire fence, trod over a field with cattle on it and finally crawl through a hedge to get to the lower path. No sign of the two stiles mentioned in the description I found on the official website. 2. Kms 34-36/miles 21-22 lead along a very busy street which in a news article I found described as dangerous for pedestrians, so I left that bit out. In some areas the markings are very good, in other they aren't. The route description on the official website helps. My recommendation is to do the whole thing on an all-terrain bike. The most challenging bits would be just before Fathom Mountain and the downhill part in Ravensdale Forest. If you decide to walk, I highly recommend the alternative route over the peak of Slieve Gullion (this is not feasible by bike). After rainfall you might need good boots, for the descent on the north side is quite boggy. In any case, whether on foot or by bike, with or without the peak, you need some stamina as there are some steep roads to climb.

No reviews available for Rostrevor - Cloughmore Stone.

Ernest Roleston avatar

Granite Trail - Donard Loop and Bogie Line

Ernie · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Brilliant trial Really recommend doing the trial in reverse it’s a much easier climb

Frequently asked questions for hikes in County Down

What is the climate like for hiking in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland's climate is temperate, with relatively mild winters and cool summers, making it possible to hike all year round. However, weather changes rapidly, with rain being a frequent occurrence, so waterproof gear and layered clothing are advisable. Spring and autumn are generally less crowded and offer delightful scenery, while winter hiking can be challenging due to shorter daylight hours and icy paths.
Summers are cooler than much of mainland UK, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F), and providing longer daylight hours, ideal for lengthy hikes. Despite this, summer's unpredictability can lead to sudden rain showers, requiring hikers to be prepared for changing conditions.
The best time for hiking in Northern Ireland often falls between April and October, encompassing late spring, summer, and early autumn. This period offers the most stable weather conditions and picturesque views. Hikers can enjoy locations like the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, and the Glenariff Forest Park during these months. For more detailed weather information, check the Met Office (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/).

Do I need a permit to hike in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, the majority of hiking trails are open and free to the public without a permit. For specific areas or events, such as organised group hikes, you might need permission from the landowner or the relevant local authority. For assistance, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/).

Is wild camping allowed in Northern Ireland?

Wild camping in Northern Ireland is not strictly legal without the landowner's permission. However, it's often tolerated in higher land and mountain areas, provided campers follow "leave no trace" principles. If in doubt, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (https://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/) for advice.

Are there mountain rescue services in Northern Ireland?

In case of emergencies while hiking in Northern Ireland, you should contact the police by dialling 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. They work with the PSNI to provide rescue services. More information is available at the Mountain Rescue Ireland website https://nimrt.org/

Are there dangerous plants in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland's hiking trails are graced with an array of flora, from wildflowers to ancient woodlands. Notable are the bluebells in spring, the purple heather on the mountains in late summer, and the oak and ash trees in forests. For more information, refer to the Woodland Trust (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Northern Ireland?

While hiking in Northern Ireland, you may encounter wildlife such as red deer, foxes, and badgers. The summer months bring out insects like midges, especially near water. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more, visit the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/).

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