Its the most wonderful time of the year! Whats that? Christmas? Oh yes, thats definitely one of the main reasons but this time of year also means the return of the much loved WalkNI Awards, sponsored by Barista Bar! Its an opportunity for you at home to share what you love most about the trails that get you outdoors. Lets meet the different categories. Best place to walk as a family in Northern IrelandAs with all of our categories, the title is relatively self-explanatory. This category is our most popular as families across Northern Ireland feedback where they love to visit together. That might mean it will include play facilities, changing facilities, shorter loop options, art pieces or any number of other things that make it special. Or it could just be down to it being the same trail your parents or grandparents love.Best NEW Walking TrailThis is for all the trails that have been opened in 2024. We love to see new trails being opened, especially of the calibre of trail which this years nominees are, so its nice to recognise the incredible amount of hard work that goes into making a new trail.Favourite outdoor guruIts easy to get lost in the unending debate about online personalities and their influence, but our nominees for Favourite outdoor guru are all unabashedly pro getting people outdoors and active, as well as educating us on the benefits of doing so. Even if you dont recognise these people, we heartily would recommend checking them out youll not be disappointed!Best long distance walking trail in Northern IrelandA long time member of the WalkNI Awards, this is a tossup between the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland, and the Ulster Way. Both hugely popular walks and ones which youll most likely have seen signage for on your own travels. If youre not familiar with them, you can find information for both on their respective websites, as well as on WalkNI.IAT Ulster Ireland website | Ulster Way websiteTop Walking Trail in BelfastIts amazing that Belfast has so many locations where you can disappear into the wild within a short journey and totally forget that youre amidst or beside a capital city. Its why getting outdoors is so important, especially for those in the city. That connection to nature is built into humans and to have so many opportunities on the doorstep of Belfast is a benefit that many larger cities dont have.Top Walking Trail in Co. DownCo. Down is home to the highest volume of outdoor visitors in Northern Ireland, with people flocking from all over the island of Ireland to visit nor just the Mournes, but the increasing number of outdoor sites outside of the famous mountains. This year the nominee list includes blue way walks, community trails, a nature reserve and mountain hikes. The sheer variety tells you everything you need to know about the amazing opportunities awaiting you in Co. Down.Top Walking Trail in Mid UlsterMid Ulster has seen the largest number of new trails developed in Northern Ireland this year, making this a particularly competitive and exciting category. From old classics like Davagh Forest which still reigns supreme in terms of website hits, to the up and coming trails at the likes of Pomeroy and Knockmany. No matter the winner, Mid Ulster has cemented its reputation as an outdoor haven.Favourite User-Friendly WalkThis is a category designed to recognise any of the multitude of things which trails can do to make it a favourite of those who use it. It may be a Changing Places toilet a toilet facility larger than normal to accommodate wheelchair access and other additional needs. It could be well spaced benches to allow for an older walker to take breaks whenever they need to. All of the nominations have various perks the choice is up to you which comes out on top!Best dog friendly walkWoof! Were big dog lovers in the WalkNI office and this one is for all those who love to take their four legged pal(s) out on a good long adventure. Were always mindful to ensure people do so responsibly, to ensure there is no risk to wildlife or other walkers, but also for the benefit of their own dog.Best section of the Ulster WayThe Ulster Way covers an impressive 636 miles in a loop around Northern Ireland. That route is made up of multiple sections, all with their own unique features and geography. Even if you havent walked the entire thing (and if you have, please get in touch and let us know!) youll be aware of some of the sections and know those which are particularly enjoyable.Best Spar for a post walk Barista Bar CoffeeBarista Bar have immaculate taste in who they sponsor, but theyre obviously better known for the incredible taste of their coffees! This category recognises many of the shops selling Barista Bar coffees close to popular walking trails make sure to pop in and treat yourself.Best walking image submitted by the publicAlways a fun one to end on, we love to see your photos from the trails over the course of the year. We get submissions of silly pictures, epic views, adorable dog walk shots and romantic sunset strolls. Whatever your favorite outdoor picture, please share it with us and help us continue to grow the love for our outdoors.Thats them all! Contributing to the Awards helps to build the profile of our walking trails in NI and provides important feedback and encouragement to the bodies who take the time to build and maintain them. From all the WalkNI team, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and well see you on the trails!The post A Look at the WalkNI 2025 Categories, Sponsored by Barista Bar appeared first on WalkNI.