Mid Ulster District Council Website

Stunning Sperrins Perfect Location for Scenic Guided Walks

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 28^th & Sunday  29^th  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 12^th  & Sunday 13^th 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 1^st & 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 on Saturday 22^nd  & Sunday 23^rd  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  year’s, all 4 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.”
 
Councillor Eugene McConnell, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council said:

The unspoilt area of The Sperrins is perfectly situated for walking, and the Mid Ulster leg of the Sperrins Walking Festival offers the opportunity to explore the Neolithic era from Ballinasolus through Davagh Forest, as well as Moneynenagh, known as the Bog of Wonder through the middle of the Sperrins, and the captivating Lough Beg overlooking Church Island, which inspired Seamus Heaney’s ‘The Strand at Lough Beg’.
In partnership with our neighbouring Councils, establishing The Sperrins as a walking destination where you come to relax and unwind remains a key focus of our wider tourism strategy, so we look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far and hope they enjoy Mid Ulster’s renowned hospitality while they’re here.

 
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 Far and Wild or  Sperrin Partnership #SperrinsWalking.