National Landscapes in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, areas designated as 'national landscapes' are officially known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). There are eight AONBs which protect regions of significant scenic importance. These areas offer numerous routes for human-powered outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and running.

There are eight designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Northern Ireland, which are presented on this page as national landscapes. These include well-known areas such as the Mourne Mountains and the Causeway Coast. Komoot aggregates over 1,000 routes across these eight distinct landscapes.

Based on visitor data, the most frequented national landscapes include the Mourne Aonb, known for its granite mountains, and the Causeway Coast AONB, famous for its unique geological formations. The Lagan Valley Aonb is also highly visited due to its proximity to Belfast and accessible trails.

The dominant activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with over 1,000 routes available across the eight landscapes. Specific activities vary by region, from mountaineering in the Mourne mountains to coastal walking along the Antrim Coast and road cycling through the Sperrins.

The Mourne Aonb offers a wide range of hiking, with more than 75 distinct trails. Routes vary from challenging mountain ascents over granite peaks, including Slieve Donard, to more moderate walks in the foothills and adjacent forest parks. The area also includes routes for mountaineering.

Yes, the Causeway Coast AONB is renowned for its coastal hiking. There are over 50 hiking routes in the area, many of which follow the dramatic cliff-top paths of the Causeway Coast Way. These trails provide views of the Giant's Causeway, sandy beaches, and rocky headlands.

The Sperrins Aonb, the largest AONB in Northern Ireland, is popular for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking across its expansive moorlands and rolling hills. The area contains over 110 routes, including dedicated mountain bike trails in forests like Davagh and hiking paths up its highest peak, Sawel Mountain.

Yes, many national landscapes offer accessible routes suitable for beginners or families. The Lagan Valley Aonb features a flat, traffic-free towpath ideal for walking and cycling. Other areas like the Ring Of Gullion Aonb also have forest parks with marked, gentle trails.

A variety of cycling routes are available, catering to both road cyclists and bicycle touring. The Antrim Coast And Glens Aonb offers scenic coastal roads, while the Strangford And Lecale Aonb provides routes through rolling drumlin landscapes. In total, there are hundreds of road and touring bicycle routes across the eight AONBs.

Some national landscapes are accessible via public transport, particularly those near urban centers. The Lagan Valley AONB, situated between Belfast and Lisburn, is well-served by public transport links, with many access points to its towpath. Other areas may have bus services to nearby towns and villages, from which trails can be reached on foot.

National landscapes (AONBs) are large areas designated to conserve and enhance natural beauty, often encompassing a mix of public and private land with towns and villages. Nature Reserves in Northern Ireland are typically smaller, more focused sites managed specifically for wildlife conservation and scientific interest, though they also offer opportunities for recreation.