Derry & Strabane Walking Festival

About

Get your walking boots ready for the Sperrins Walking Festival, taking place across the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB).

The programme, developed and delivered by The Sperrins Partnership and outdoor experts Far and Wild, is designed to help walkers of all abilities to enjoy our beautiful landscape as well as promoting health, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  Sperrins Walking participants will not only enjoy discovering a destination filled with unique tourism experiences, but a great choice of walks ranging from leisurely strolls to more demanding longer walks, all in small groups, guided by experienced leaders.

Choose from the walk options below to plan your outdoor weekend. Please choose a grade and length of walk that suits your experience and interest.

Sat 1st March : ‘The Moat at the Heart of Glenelly’  is a Moderate 8km walk to Mullaghcarbathagh, or more easily put, the hill fondly known as ‘The Moat’ to locals. It holds a special place in the heart of the people in Glenelly as a charity walk destination which affords beautiful views over the quiet town of Plumbridge and the mouth of the famous Glenelly Valley. This walk will be from Craig over the hill and into Plumbridge Village.

Registration – 10am at Watt’s Barr in Plumbridge (Dergbrough Road, Plumbridge BT79 8EF)

Sun 2nd March : ‘Myths & Stories from the Edge of Time’  is a Moderate 8km walk from Lettercran in Co. Donegal to Killeter Village in Co. Tyrone via Carrickaholten Forest. The walk traces footsteps of emigres, travellers, market-goers and smugglers who have criss-crossed the border area throughout history. It tells some of their stories at significant spots along the way

Registration – 10am at Killeter Heritage Centre (Woodside Rd, Castlederg BT81 7EL)

Important information about the walking tour:

Please note no dogs are permitted on all walks due to farm animals being in close proximity to routes.

Please arrive on time and come prepared for your choice of walk. Where relevant a bus will be provided to transport you to and from your walk route and we ask you to leave your car at registration.

If you have not already done so online, you will be asked to complete a participant form on arrival by Far and Wild staff which will included consents for First Aid treatment etc

For Challenging and Moderate Walks please bring/wear:

Hiking boots; appropriate outdoor clothing; rainwear; packed lunch; sufficient water. Gaiters and walking poles are optional but advised.

For Easy Walks please bring:

Footwear that can handle uneven terrain; rainwear; packed lunch; sufficient water