Sperrins Walking Festival welcomed a record number of walkers at this year’s event, with over 500 attending the festival.  Over the weekend walkers took part in a range of walks, from family nature trails and moderate treks to challenging hill walks and an over-night adventure – The Sperrins Gold Trail.

In the evening walkers relaxed and soothed away the aches and pains, while they sipped on a pint and soaked up the atmosphere in Gortin village.  All in all, a weekend of fantastic walks with splendid weather, this year’s festival has proved to be a huge success.

Near & Far

Walkers attended the Sperrins Walking Festival from all over the country, including locals and walkers from throughout Northern Ireland as well as walkers from counties Kildare, Clare, Dublin Cork, Tipperary, Westmeath, Donegal and even as far as the UK.   Many of the walkers were enjoying the scenery of the Sperrins for the first time and one commented “First time in the Sperrins, fantastic day with some stunning scenery, I will definitely be back”

A Step in the Right Direction

Over 300 children and their families attended a range of activities and walks at Gortin Glens Forest Park over the weekend. Mrs Red Squirrel kept them amused while they discovered the flora and fauna of the forest, played games and searched for bears!

Moderate walkers opted for Ballynatubbrit walk on Saturday and Barnes & Mullaghbane on the Sunday, where guides provided interpretation on the many features of interest and habitats encountered along the route.  The more experienced walkers took to the hills of County Rock on Saturday and The 5 Mullagh’s on the Sunday, and walkers enjoyed some of the most spectacular and stunning views the Sperrins has to offer.  Some walkers commented “Great Day, excellent leaders” and “Most enjoyable and informative day”

This year seen the first ever over-night adventure as part of the festival, The Sperrins Gold Trail.  This consisted of a 47km walk over two days with an overnight camp in the Sperrins. Over 30 enthusiasts were up for the challenge; and all participants received a medal to acknowledge their achievement.

Spoilt for Choice

Over the weekend walkers were spoilt for choice with a packed full schedule of evening entertainment, including live music and BBQ’s in all the local bars, as well as other activities that took place at Gortin Activity Centre.  The festival came to a close on the Sunday, and was celebrated by the first ever Gortin Family Festival event, which proved to be a huge success.

Elaine Donaghy and Deirdre McKee, Managers of Sperrins Tourism Ltd commented “It was fantastic to have record numbers attend the event and welcome walkers from throughout Ireland and beyond. Yet again another successful walking festival indicates its unique appeal, particularly the introduction of the over-night challenge.  We look forward to a bigger and better festival in 2010”

Thanks go to the organisers, sponsors –Awards for All, Sperrins Tourism Ltd, Forest Service NI, Omagh District Council, Rocwell Water, and Sportique Sport Shop, leaders and guides and to the landowners and people of the Sperrins for their welcome and hospitality and to all the enthusiastic walkers who travelled to enjoy the weekend.

The 2010 Sperrins Walking Festival will be taking place over the weekend of the 6^th - 8^th August 2010 so put it in your diaries now!