Hiking has become one of my favourite hobbies, and it has allowed me to explore places that I would never have imagined knowing, and at the same time, it is an activity that has allowed me to know myself better, to know what I am capable of and how I can overcome my limits.

The top of Cavehill

Northern Ireland has the perfect landscape for this activity, and luckily for us, the weather conditions are changing in our favour over the summer, so doing outdoor activities is going to be easier.

I want to tell you about the places I've gone in Northern Ireland to hike, the wonderful things I've seen; and also mention the ones I have on my bucket list.

Let's start with the basics: Cavehill

Cavehill is a hill in the north of Belfast that is very easy to reach using public transport from the city centre. Going for a hike on this hill is one of the best activities you can do while living in Belfast, not only because it will allow you to enjoy a wonderful view of the city, but also because during the tour you will be able to appreciate the magic and beauty of nature from different dimensions.

A recent hike to Cavehill with my friends on a rainy day

Its trails are well signposted, so you can feel confident that you won't get lost during the adventure. Once you get to the top, you will be able to take the best photos of the city because you can see everything, the river, the boats leaving and entering the port, you could even have fun with your friends trying to find your house from that height.

Mourne Mountains

In order to reach these mountains and enjoy the amazing scenery that is dazzling when you walk through them, you will need to take the bus to Newcastle. In these mountains, you'll find a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. From gentle hikes through the countryside to more challenging ascents to the tops of the mountains.

I've only been there once, and I made the trek to the top of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, it was quite challenging but 100% worth it. With my friends, we are considering going back to do other routes and climb other peaks.

Standing next to this iconic wall in the middle of the mountains

Causeway Coast

To be honest, I've never done the full Causeway Coast, but I've been able to walk a lot of it from different points, and during the summer I plan to do the full route because what I've seen is just surreal. The stunning Causeway Coast, renowned for its spectacular coastline and unique rock formations, there are hiking trails that line cliffs, beaches, and breathtaking coastal scenery. What impresses me the most about this trip is the possibility of reaching the Giant's Causeway on foot.

Walking along the Causeway Coast

Glenariff Forest Park

I've never gone for a hike in this place but it's on my bucket list. The photographs I have seen of this place are wonderful, and my friends who have walked through this forest tell me that it is impossible to feel the majesty of this place from a few photos.

It looks like a fairy tale and is located less than an hour from Belfast in Antrim. This forest seems to be the perfect setting for a leisurely hike.

Check out a recent trip to Glenariff, organised by Queen's Accommodation!

Something very important to me when hiking is the signage and that there are well-defined trails, and I have been told that this place has these conditions. I don't want to be a person lost in the woods. I have also seen that the landscape is accompanied by waterfalls and streams, offering a soundscape as you walk with the sound of water streams.

Hiking on this island is a worthwhile activity in its completeness. It has helped me to get to know amazing places and at the same time to get to know myself better, and discover new passions and abilities.

Find out more

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My Experience of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

The Most Instagrammable Places in Northern Ireland

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!