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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 (40) · 10.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 10 min

2

Medium

Slieve Doan

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (27) · 6.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 47 min

3

Medium

Mourne Way

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (5) · 37.3 km · Est. 2 days

4

Medium

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (12) · 9.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 49 min

5

Medium

Ben Crom Reservoir and Slieve Binnian Loop

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (10) · 12.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 37 min

6

Medium

Slieve Binnian Mountains and Blue Lough Loop

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (11) · 11.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 12 min

7

Medium

Central Mournes

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 15.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 21 min

8

Medium

Rocky Mountain

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

9

Medium

Lough Shannagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.5 (2) · 12.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 11 min

10

Medium

Donard Forest Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (4) · 7.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 1 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for medium hikes in County Down

Ciaran Gaughan avatar

Slieve Binnian Carrick Little

HikingIreland · reviewed over 4 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

David Holsgrove avatar

Slieve Doan

davidholsgrove · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

Paul McArthur avatar

Mourne Way

Paul McArthur · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Superb trail through the Mourne Mountains. Best to do it over 2 days and enjoy a wild camp with great scenery.

Ellen Green avatar

Slieve Bearnagh

ellengreen · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Such a great loop! The incline/decline of the South Torr is pretty steep, but incredible rock formations & views from the top

Rhys Willis avatar

Ben Crom Reservoir and Slieve Binnian Loop

Rockyrhys · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Way down was very rough 3 points of contact most of the way but way up was lovely and great views

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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