THE Christmas dinner is one of the festive season’s main events, often planned (and thought about) weeks or even months in advance. From turkey and ham to stuffing and roast potatoes it’s the definition of deliciousness.
However, given the richness and amount of the food many of us consume on Christmas Day we can often be left feeling sluggish and resisting the urge to loosen our trousers after having one too many roasties, making it difficult to enjoy the rest of the celebrations.
So instead of vegging out on the sofa watching the Christmas specials while trying not to fall asleep, why not go out and stretch your legs and go for a family Christmas Day dander?
Northern Ireland is filled with stunning walks to explore and enjoy in the fresh winter air after your Christmas dinner.
From bracing hikes over windswept moorlands to gentle woodland strolls that are perfect for families. Based on the recommendations from The Woodland Trust, who look after almost 60 sites across Northern Ireland, we have put together our own guide to the post-Christmas dinner walks.
The Faughan Valley Woodlands
Co Derry
The picturesque Faughan Valley Woodlands are made up of a collection of enchanting ancient woods, including Oaks Wood, Brackfield Wood, Red Brae Wood, Killaloo Wood, Burntollet Wood and Brackfield Bawn Wood. In August 2023, the Woodland Trust completed a long-term project to reconnect these woods along paths, across the River Faughan and even underneath the busy Glenshane Pass.
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Oaks Wood
Co Derry
Home to a number of eye-catching sculptures and stunning views, Oaks Wood has been described as “one of the most picturesque spots in the Faughan Valley Woodlands”.
Glasswater Wood
Co Down
In 2020 Glasswater Wood celebrated 20 years since the local community planted 2,000 across three fields purchased from James and Mildred Scott. As the wood has come of age, it has become increasingly popular.
Over the last 20 years the woods have been extended twice acquiring neighbouring land consisting of ancient woodland where new walking trails and a pond were installed and in 2022 it was upgraded further with the creation of brand-new walking trails and an extended car park located off Glasswater Road.
Brackfield Wood
Co Derry
Brackfield Wood serves as a stunning reminder that there is more to life than screens and schedules.
Bursting with various sights and sounds, from the babbling brooke to the rustling of wildlife it is sure to wake you up if you’re feeling slightly sleepy after your Christmas Dinner.
There is also a historical connection to Brackfield as it was the First World War Centenary Wood created by the Woodland Trust to commemorate the centenary of the Great War.
The 37-acre park can be found around 13km south-east of Derry and 3km from Claudy.
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Carnmoney Hill
Co Antrim
With stunning views of Belfast Lough and beyond Carnmoney Hill makes for an incredibly scenic post-Christmas dinner dander.
Rich in both history and wildlife the wood has walking trails for all abilities so walkers can choose between a gentle stroll around the foot of Carnmoney Hill (which takes around 30 minutes) or a steeper hilltop walk (lasting over an hour).
Drumnaph Wood
Co Derry
Drumnaph Wood is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. This beautiful ancient woodland is another site rich in history as well as plant and wildlife – if you’re lucky you may spot an Irish hare in the rush meadows.
Whether you are interested in timeless woodland, excellent walks or fascinating cultural connections, Drumnaph Wood is well worth a visit.
Mourne Park
Co Down
In 2022 the Woodland Trust opened Mourne Park to the public for the first time in over 500 years.
Before this, the estate was closed off behind walls and access was only granted via an annual subscription.
The Trust has completed three walking trails to allow free public access through its land in Mourne Park for visitors.
The three trails have been completed over loose gravel paths over a variety of gradients, ease and differing lengths; namely the Bluebell Walk, the Woodland Loop and the Whitewater Trail.
The Bluebell Walk is a relaxing 1.6km stroll through ancient woodland over a long sloping section, the Woodland Loop explores newly restored native woodland over a 2.8km gravel path and the 4.5km Whitewater Trail follows the river and the old carriageway through mature beech trees.
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Glenarm Forest
Co Antrim
Glenarm Forest may be small, but it has a lot to offer.
It boasts a wide variety of tree species including oak, ash, beech, sycamore, Japanese larch, Sitka spruce and many others. And on the forest floor plants such as bluebells, primroses, dog’s mercury and ground ivy can all be found.
Cabin Wood
Co Tyrone
Cabin Wood is a new woodland creation scheme managed by the Woodland Trust and Mid Ulster District Council. This tranquil riverside woodland was once part of the Killymoon Castle estate.
It has two access gates leading on to a stone path which follows a circular route through the wood.
The route takes around 30 minutes to walk and is buggy-friendly, but there are some sloping sections which can be quite steep at parts.
Oakfield Glen
Co Antrim
While visiting Oakfield Glen you’ll come across beautiful birdlife, sculptures of mythical creatures peering from the trees and reminders of its past as the gardens of a Victorian country house. Surfaced paths provide easy access for all abilities, and it’s just 15 minutes’ walk from Carrickfergus.
The Burn Walk
Co Tyrone
This Woodland Trust site was planted in 1999, as part of the ‘Woods On Your Doorstep’ community woodland creation to commemorate the Millennium.
The site is part of a wooded glen on the Cavanalee River above a housing estate near Strabane. A great spot to ‘burn’ off some of that festive food.
