As the spooky season approaches, new research has revealed Northern Ireland’s most chilling walks to explore.
Topping the list as Northern Ireland’s spookiest walk is the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, where over a third of visitors describe the atmosphere as spooky. This avenue of ancient beech trees sets a chilling scene, which is made even spookier by local folklore. With 81 paranormal sightings, the area is said to be haunted by the mysterious Grey Lady who drifts between the trees. A must-visit this Halloween, one visitor describes the Dark Hedges as “every bit as enchanting and eerie as the photos suggest”.
The Spookiest Walks in Northern Ireland:
- Dark Hedges, County Antrim
- Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
- Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry
- Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
Natalie Wolfenden, Author and Hiking Enthusiast at GO Outdoors, comments: “With darker evenings approaching and Halloween just around the corner, many people will be planning to get outside and enjoy some ‘spooktacular’ walks. While a spooky stroll is a great way to connect with nature and soak up the Halloween atmosphere, it is essential to take extra precautions to stay safe.
“Always wear reflective clothing to remain visible to others and dress in warm, insulated jackets to ensure you are prepared for cold weather. Investing in the right walking footwear can also help with grip on damp and uneven terrain.
“Bringing a torch or head torch will help with visibility, but you should also still stick to well-marked paths to avoid getting lost.
“Make sure your phone is fully charged before setting off and download an offline map app beforehand so you can navigate even if you lose signal. You might also want to share your live location with a trusted contact for added peace of mind.
“Finally, while walking through a spooky setting can be exciting, remember that many of these locations are steeped in history. Whether it’s ancient woodlands or historic battlefields, make sure to be respectful and leave no trace.”
