Walking Boots at the Ready for Sperrins 13^th Walking Festival

This weekend sees the Sperrins 13^th Walking Festival get underway, so get those walking boots ready and discover the Sperrin Mountains for yourself.  The festival gets get under way on Friday 7^th – Sunday 9^th August 2009, with something for everyone. Over the weekend there will be the opportunity for walkers to meet new people, join in on a range of activities and get some exercise.

Something for Everyone

The festival caters for all abilities of walkers including family walks, activities and nature trails taking place all weekend at Gortin Glens Forest Park.  There are 2 Moderate walks to choose from, Ballynatubbrit on Saturday and Barnes and Mullaghbane on Sunday, guides will also provide interpretation on the many features of interest and habitats encountered en-route. For those walkers looking for something more adventurous they can choose from 2 challenging walks, County Rock to Altbritain on the Saturday and the 5 Mullagh’s on the Sunday.  All of the walks are led by professional walking guides and they will also provide some interpretation along the way.  This year the festival is introducing a 2 day Overnight Challenge – The Sperrins Gold Trail, which will involve walking 47km over two days with an overnight camp in Goles Forest, a real adventure and not for the faint hearted. 

Quaint Village of Gortin

The festival base this year is Gortin Activity Centre, which is located in Gortin, Omagh, a quaint village abundant with character in an untouched part of Northern Ireland.  There is self-catering and hostel accommodation on site, as well as a wide range of other accommodation in the surrounding area.

Music, Dance & Craic

Festival goers can enjoy a range of social events and activities taking place all weekend, from live music, dance and sing song to BBQ’s, archery and family activities. The ideal way for walkers to relax and unwind in the evening.  Sunday 9^th August marks the 1^st ever Gortin Family Festival, with something for everyone, including vintage tractor/car show, street busking competition, clydesdale horse competition, local produce stalls and much more,  a day not to be missed.

Festival Sponsors

The 2009 Sperrins Walking Festival is funded and supported by: Awards for All, Rocwell Water, Omagh District Council, Sportique Sports Shop in association with North Face, Forest Service NI and Sperrins Tourism Limited.

Programme of Walks

Download your copy by clicking on the link below:

Or call 028 8674 7700