Autumn is an incredible time of the year to visit Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and Glens. Our diverse landscape features not only some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and mountain ranges, but also some of the most stunning woodlands, forests and walking trails. Now is the perfect time of the year to discover them; as a familiar crispness returns to the air and the leaves become a fury of amber, gold, and red. Wrap up warm – here are just six of the many walks to enjoy in the area this autumn:

Garvagh Forest

Take in your surroundings at Garvagh Forest during a walk or cycle and experience the beauty of nature, as well as a few hidden gems along the way! The trails have recently undergone an extensive renovation project and are perfect for adventurous days out or a leisurely stroll. Garvagh Forest is also home to a unique modern pyramid, originally created as a burial folly for Lord Garvagh. The pyramid is an unusual addition to the forest landscape. Having never fulfilled the task it was designed for, it was sealed shut with no incumbent in recent years.

Roe Valley Country Park

Nestled on the outskirts of Limavady lies a peaceful and serene walking trail with spectacular riverside views and an opportunity to learn about the industrial and natural heritage of the area in the museum and countryside centre. Enjoy quiet contemplation and a new found appreciation for nature at the Roe Valley Country Park while you explore it’s exciting trails and unique structures at your own pace.

Glenariff Waterfall Walk

Credit: @thefullshillingblog

Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim, is a place of exceptional beauty and stunning scenery. The unique Waterfall Walkway, which opened 80 years ago, has been significantly upgraded along its 3 mile length which passes through a National Nature Reserve. Three waterfalls provide a rich backdrop for photographers, as do the other forest trails that offer panoramic landscapes and peaceful riverside walks.

The Dark Hedges

Although this isn’t a forest trail, this list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Northern Ireland’s most famous trees! The Dark Hedges in Stranocum, Ballymoney, are better known to Game of Thrones® fans as King’s Road.  Planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century, the trees were intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House.

Mountsandel Wood

This a must-visit if you fancy yourself as a bit of a historian! Mountsandel Wood is the earliest known settlement of man in Ireland dating to between 7600 and 7900BC. Flint tools were found here, indicating that Stone Age hunters camped here to fish salmon in the natural weir, and the earthen fort is thought to date back to Norman times.

Ronan’s Way

Ronan’s Way will take you through a truly inspiring landscape, from the Glendun River through farmland, woodland scrub and peatland. It offers walks for a range of abilities. All of the walks on Ronan’s Way are located on the McAuley Farm, a stretch of land which commemorates Ronan McAuley, a true Glen’s man who had a dream that more people would explore and enjoy Glendun and the exquisite views of the land that he called home.

This is just a small sample of the many great walking trails the Causeway Coast and Glens have to offer! Fancy learning about them all? You can view guides and maps for walking trails in the area here:

We’d love to see your snaps of the Causeway Coast and Glens so be sure to tag us on Instagram @visitcausewaycoastandglens, and use the hashtag #VisitCauseway

We look forward to welcoming you to Northern Ireland’s famous Causeway Coastal Route!