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Best difficult hikes in Northern Ireland
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Best difficult hikes in Northern Ireland

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Northern Ireland.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (8) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

2

Difficult

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 17.7 km · Est. 2 days

3

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (7) · 9.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 1 min

4

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (7) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

5

Difficult

North Antrim Cliff Path – Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (6) · 7.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 17 min

6

Difficult

Meelmore and Meelbeg

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (3) · 8.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 36 min

7

Difficult

Slievemartin

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (4) · 7.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 21 min

8

Difficult

Doan and Ben Crom via Silent Valley Reservoir

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (2) · 17.0 km · Est. 2 days

9

Difficult

Sawel Mountain Walk

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (6) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 25 min

10

Difficult

Slieve Donard and Millstone Mountain Loop from Newcastle

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 9.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 14 min

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Reviews for difficult hikes in Northern Ireland

Colin Halpin avatar

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

Colin · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Pleasant gradual walk up along the river. Trail easy enough to follow. Hard work starts at the Mourne Wall to get to the top of Donard but we'll worth it for the views. The day we did it it was very windy so bring layers to keep warm at the top.

Nadine Foley avatar

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

Nadine · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Good trails the whole way, though quite rocky. Stunning views on a nice day. Quite challenging as doing 3 peaks and nearly 20km.

Clodagh avatar

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

Clodagh Robb · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Ellen Green avatar

Slieve Bearnagh

ellengreen · reviewed almost 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

Kelsey Henry avatar

North Antrim Cliff Path – Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway

Kels01 · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Northern Ireland

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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