The arrival of autumn stills gives us all great opportunities to don our outdoors clothing and enjoy the great outdoors. There are walks right across the country that we can all enjoy. However, one area I don’t know well enough is Northern Ireland, so here are some ideas from them to encourage everyone to pull on their walking gear and enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK.

From forest trails to mountain hikes, there are many different walks on offer for all the family to enjoy; this is one of most colourful times of the year as far as nature is concerned, whether you are in the hills and mountains or by the riverside. The walks on offer are a mix of well marked trails and some offer the chance to go off the beaten track and get up close to nature and test your map reading skills. Here are a few examples of what is on offer:

Belfast Castle Estate. Located on the lower slopes of the Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast, this offers some great views of the city and a very manageable 2 and a half mile walk through woodland and parkland and takes in the Millenium Maze as well as the castle itself.

Meelmore and Meelberg, Hilltown, Co. Down. This moderate five and a half mile walk in the High Mournes will see you summit two of the seven highest peaks in the region. Alternatively there is a gentle walk on offer through Nugent’s Wood, which was once part of the Nugent’s Estate, and is made up of mature broad leaved trees. Offering stunning views toward’s Audleys Castle across the Strangford Narrows, the wood itself offers the chance to see red squirrels and badgers.

There are also a number of events taking place up to the 3rd November as well and these vary from guided ranger walks to volunteering for bulb planting ready for next spring. For more information contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

So whatever your ability check out the latest offers on the website, get your outdoors clothing together and enjoy this colourful season whatever part of the country you are based.