What are the most popular walks in Northern Ireland? Youre about to find out! Welcome back to the WalkNI Awards 202526, proudly sponsored by Barista Bar, celebrating the walks, places and people that mean the most to those who love Northern Irelands outdoors. This years Awards reflect the incredible diversity of walking opportunities here in Northern Ireland. Well-loved urban paths, coastal routes, long-distance trails, community trails; all of these and more paint the mosaic of outdoor recreation here. A big thank you to the hundreds of walkers who voted on each of the Awards, and without further ado meet your 2025-26 Award Winners!Favourite Trail in Northern IrelandBlue Lough emerged as the overall Favourite Trail in NI, securing 24% of the vote in a tightly contested category. It narrowly edged out Slieve Donard via the Glen River Route, with both trails proving just how popular the Mournes remain with walkers from across the island.Check out the buzz around Blue Lough and watch our video exploring the most popular walk of the year!Best New Walking TrailThe Carlingford Lough Greenway took the top spot for Best New Walking Trail, reflecting the growing appetite for accessible, scenic routes that connect communities. Hillsborough Lake Walk finished as a strong runner up in another closely fought category.Favourite Outdoor GuruKevin Penrose, also previously known as Wild Irish Wanderer, was voted Favourite Outdoor Guru, with Ain McAuley (Causewaygirl) finishing a close second. Kevins travels around the island of Ireland showcasing places both well known and not so well known. People like Kevin and Ain play a hugely important role in showcasing Northern Irelands outdoors in an authentic and inspiring way.Kevin Penrose is from Aghyaran in Co. Tyrone.Best Long-Distance Walking TrailThe Ulster Way dominated this category this year. Claiming just under 80% of the vote, its scale, variety and sense of journey continue to set it apart, comfortably beating out the IAT Ulster Ireland and St Patricks Pilgrims Path. Congratulations little yellow backpacker!Top Walking Trails by AreaIn Belfast, the Lagan Towpath came out on top with 32% of the vote, ahead of the Divis Ridge Trail. The Towpath is one of the busiest outdoor trails in Northern Ireland, with vibrant wildlife along the route also.County Down saw Murlough National Nature Reserve take the win, narrowly beating Slieve Donard via the Glen River Walk. Murloughs 2.5 mile trail blends mountain views with a stunning coastal walk. It has also, according to local legend, become a popular spot for couples to get engaged!Mid Ulster delivered one of the closest results of the Awards, with An Creagn Biodiversity Trail winning by a single vote over Lough Fea. An Creagn is a popular accommodation site and community hub.User-Friendly and Dog-Friendly FavouritesThe Favourite User-Friendly Walk title went to the Lagan Towpath (Belfast and Lisburn), just edging out Castlewellan Lake Trail.For dog walkers, Shaws Bridge on the Lagan Towpath claimed Best Dog Friendly Walk, with Murlough National Nature Reserve finishing second.Ulster Way Highlights and Coffee StopsThe Causeway Coast Way was chosen as the most popular section of the Ulster Way, the 636 mile circular walking route encompassing the six counties of Northern Ireland. Best Spar for a post walk Barista Bar CoffeeEveryone has their favourite local spot to grab a coffee, but Eurospar Newcastle was overwhelmingly voted the most popular destination for the Best Spar for a Post-Walk Barista Bar Coffee. That it sits at the foot of Slieve Donard and several other stunning trails should make it no surprise that walkers are abundant. Proof that a good walk is often best followed by a great brew!Prizes and Whats NextThe Best Walking Image is currently being reviewed and will be shared in the coming days.The winner of the prize draw (a Barista Bar hamper and a week of free coffee) is Sarah McCarthy. Congratulations Sarah, and a huge thank you to Barista Bar for supporting the Awards and providing such fantastic prizes!Thank you to everyone who voted, shared and celebrated the places that make walking in Northern Ireland so special. Well see you out on the trails for a very special year on WalkNI.com.The post Winner of the WalkNI Awards 2025-26 appeared first on WalkNI.