As a walker or hiker, you may spot a ‘Walkers Welcome’ logo beside accommodation listings in your chosen destination. This is an easy way to let you know that the hotel, guesthouse, B&B or self-catering unit will pay particular attention to your walking or hiking needs.
These places, and others, will go the extra mile for you, offering somewhere to dry and store your outdoor clothing and be on hand with early breakfasts and even packed lunches to keep your energy up!
Make for the Mourne Mountains in County Down.
If you like your hills spectacular, or your mountain ramble breathtaking, the Mourne Mountains in County Down are the place to go.
If you’re trekking out Dromore way, The Coach House Boutique B&B (5*) or Scion Hill Gatelodge (5*) are a step ahead for any walker. Out near Newcastle, the Slieve Donard Spa & Golf Resort (4*) is a welcome luxurious resting place for walkers. Or if you prefer to come and go as you please, the cottages at Happy Vale, Gorse Hill Farm Cottage (4*) or Blue Door Apartments (4*) might be just the ticket.
Maybe Gromoth Cottages (4*) in Castlewellan is the self-catering option for you, or perhaps Kribben Cottages (4*) in Newry suit your plans better. While you’re in this neck of the woods, Fairy River Glamping (4*) is one of the most charming and intriguing places to stay, because if you like walking above ground, here you can sleep underground.
At The Bakers’ Cottages (5*) in Seaforde you will walk into a stunning haven, while out in Downpatrick, Quarry Hill Church (5*) could convert you to self-catering. Or let Dunnanelly Country House (4*) or The Mill at Ballydugan be your corner of Mourne heaven.
No need for shortcuts on the Causeway Coastal Route and County Antrim
Escape the crowds and lose yourself in a place that has inspired C.S. Lewis, filmmakers and countless myth and legend makers. Explore the soaring, roaring coastline where all you have to worry about is enjoying the view.
If you happen to choose Portrush as your walking base, you’re spoiled for places to stay like the boutique Blackrock House B&B (5*) (Winner Best B&B/Guest House at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022) or 6-bed self-catering delight Blackrock Beach House (5*). For coming and going as you please, Curran Gate Apartments (5*) or Causeway Loft may suit your wandering soul.
If it’s a hotel experience you want, step into The Adelphi (4*) in Portrush or in Ballycastle, The Salthouse (4*) eco-hotel
Rest your boots up along the coast in Ballymoney, where Honeysuckle Cottage B&B (4*) could be right on the money. Around the Ballymena and Glenarm region, Water’s Edge might be your feet’s saviour.
Every step you take in and around Bushmills, home of the world-famous whiskey distillery, (which is worth a walk around itself), you’ll find somewhere brilliant to stay. Like the chic townhouse Maison (5*) or luxurious Aurora (5*) log-cabins. For the dream holiday cottage experience, it’ll be hard to walk away from Bayview Farm Holiday Cottages (5*), Bushmills Thatched Cottage (5*), or the sublime luxury of Causeway Lodge B&B (5*) for that matter.
Cushendun is quite the picture-postcard seaside village, designed as it was by Clough Williams-Ellis of Portmeirion fame, and fitting snugly into it is Strand House (4*), a short hike from the harbour here.
Further east, near where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish Sea, is where you’ll find the Bayview Hotel (4*) in Portballintrae, and the Twilight Bunkhouse in Carnlough, all places to put those weary feet up and watch the world go by.
For both luxury and location, perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, sits the Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*). The stunning 17th Century Castle overlooks the golden sands of Ballygally Bay and has uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea. The castle has 54 tastefully decorated bedrooms, some with beautiful, original beamed ceilings, while others offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and mountains.
Urban exploring in Belfast
Few cities in the world give you a walking experience quite like Belfast. Within minutes you can leave the hustle and bustle behind and see Belfast from a completely different angle, close-by along the River Lagan and out to Belfast Lough, or further inland at Cavehill where you can marvel at the city skyline.
You’ll find plenty of walker-friendly hotels in Belfast to boot. In fact, careful you don’t trip over yourself with the choice. We won’t name them all here but The Merchant Hotel (5*), Clayton Hotel (4*) and Maldron Hotel Belfast City Centre (4*) will surely suit your pocket – and legs.
Stroll and roll along the Sperrin Mountains
The Sperrins will become one of your best-kept walking secrets. They certainly are one of ours. Wild, untouched and beautiful, you’d need a thesaurus to come up with more ways to describe them. Good luck keeping them secret. We couldn’t.
If you’re anywhere close to Cookstown, Scott’s Barn (5*) is a 400-year-old restored barn that’s a self-catering dream in the Sperrins foothills. At only half its age, Pat Larry’s Cottage (4*) in Omagh, is still an impressive 200-year old cottage homestead that could have your name on it. Or there’s Drom Na Gainne (4*) B&B and Silverbirch Hotel (3*) where a traditional Tyrone welcome awaits walkers from all walks of life.
If you head Dungannon way, Spice Cottages (4*) could be the flavour of the area if you wish. With others to choose from here, like Finn Valley Cottages (4*) in Strabane or Walsh’s Hotel (3*) in Maghera, you’ll find plenty of places around to rest a weary leg or two.
Straight down to Strangford Lough
If you’re a history or heritage buff, Strangford is your walking kingdom. Discover tower houses, castles and ancient monuments dotted throughout the landscape and a wealth of wildlife along flat coastal shores of the Lough and the Irish Sea.
You’ll find Strangford Lough well served by hotels, B&Bs and self-catering properties that also serve the wider Mourne region. So, towns like Downpatrick would be a good base for you. Alternatively, Strangford Arms Self-Catering (4*) in Newtownards beside the hotel, or Barr Hall Barns (4*) cottages in Portaferry have everything you’ll need to rest up after your day exploring the Lough.
Feel free to roam in Fermanagh
If you love stunning lake views and mythical landscapes rich in wildlife and heritage, make Fermanagh your home from home. Try the walk from Florence Court to Cuilcagh Mountain and you’ll never want to leave.
If you base yourself near Enniskillen, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*), The Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa (4*) or its adjacent Lusty Beg Chalets (4*) are a piece of heaven on your own private island.
You’ll find a walker welcome in Manor House Country Hotel (4*) on Lough Erne’s shores or the Belmore Court and Motel (4*) or boutique beauty Westville (4*) in Enniskillen.
Over near Newtownbutler, the extensive nature-reserve that is Crom Estate (4*) has the west wing of the castle, cottages and glamping pods that will sweep you off your feet, so watch out. Or for the essence of comfort, and to round off a tour of the Lough Erne, hang up your boots and lap up the luxuries up at the award-winning Lough Erne Resort (5*) - you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the fabulous and famous here.
If that hasn’t got you pulling on your woollen socks, lacing your boots and filling your daypack, then there’s lots more walker-friendly hotels, guesthouses, glamping and camping places to discover and inspire your next trek – big or small.
