Get out this weekend for walking festival in the Sperrins

The ‘Sperrintrekkers’ hillwalking event features 4 guided walks, from a leisurely stroll in the Clogher Valley to the challenge of climbing Slieve Gallion, all led by experienced guides and designed to showcase the loughs, forests, farmland, woods, moorlands and mountains that characterise the expanse of the Sperrins.

Councillor Linda Dillon, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, which is organising the event in partnership with Mid Ulster Walking Club, hiked to the mask at Slieve Gallion ahead of the festival weekend: “The Sperrins is a spectacular landscape and events like this encourage everyone from families and young people to serious hill walkers, to enjoy the outdoors on their doorstep at a pace that suits them, as well as giving visitors an opportunity to experience some of the most amazing and diverse scenery in Ireland”.

The Sperrintrekkers Hillwalking Festival takes place from 26th to 27th September. On Saturday 26th September, the Stroll in the Clogher valley begins at Knockmany, reaches the cairn at the top and after lunch includes a trip to St Patrick’s Chair and Well.

Sunday 27th September begins with a free ‘Lough Fea Dander’ around a flat, circular route, repeated in the afternoon, while for reasonably fit walkers, the Mobury Wood Walk begins at Lough Fea, climbing 450metres to provide extensive views of the countryside.

The Slieve Gallion Challenge, also on Sunday 27th September, is suitable for experienced walkers who will be rewarded with views of the landscape at over 500m.

To book your place or to avail of overnight accommodation offers starting at £35pps, call 028 8676 9949 or visit www.sperrintrekkers.com