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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 Walk

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.9 (72) · 9.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

2

Difficult

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.8 (12) · 10.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

3

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (11) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

4

Difficult

Sawel Mountain Walk

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland · star 4.7 (7) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 25 min

5

Difficult

Meelmore and Meelbeg

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (5) · 8.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 36 min

6

Difficult

Slieve Binnian

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (4) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 59 min

7

Difficult

Slieve Donard Loop via Glen River

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 10.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 47 min

8

Difficult

Slieve Bearnagh And Meelmore

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (9) · 9.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 1 min

9

Difficult

Slieve Donard - Commedagh and Bearnagh

County Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (6) · 17.7 km · Est. 5 hrs 20 min

10

Difficult

Mourne Seven Sevens

Newry, Mourne and Down, Northern Ireland · star 5.0 (1) · 30.2 km · Est. 2 days

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Reviews for difficult hikes in Northern Ireland

Fiona (Feefifofum) avatar

Slieve Donard Walk

Fiona (Feefifofum) · reviewed over 4 years ago

star star star star star

Really enjoyed this climb! It gets a bit steeper on the last stretch but still manageable with great views, highly recommend. Handy trail to access, can walk from Newcastle Town.

Rhys Willis avatar

Slieve Donard from Bloody Bridge

Rockyrhys · reviewed 7 days ago

star star star star star

Very warm day so was a struggle but really enjoyed the walk although very uneven paths up

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

Karen Nicholson avatar

Sawel Mountain Walk

Karen Nicholson · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Nice handy hike. Great views. Bit boggy in places but easy to navigate as you basically follow the fence all the way up and only have about 100m or so to the trig point on open ground. Could def do as a night hike for 32 peaks if you needed. Took about 1hr 25mins.

Bobby Scott avatar

Meelmore and Meelbeg

Bobby Scott · reviewed almost 2 years 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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