If spring is about building confidence and getting moving again, summer is often when people feel ready to go a little further.

The longer days make it easier to fit in walking, the weather can feel more inviting, and routes that seemed ambitious a few months ago may now feel much more achievable.

That said, summer walking brings its own challenges. Warmer temperatures, longer distances and a false sense of security about conditions can catch people out just as easily as winter weather.

With the right preparation, though, summer is one of the most rewarding times to enjoy the Island of Ireland’s hills, mountains and forest trails.

Where to walk this summer

Summer offers plenty of possibilities, whether you are looking for a gentle evening walk, a confidence-building day in the hills, or something a little more adventurous.

Accessible and confidence-building summer walks

Not every summer walk needs to involve a summit!

Tollymore Forest Park is a great option in warmer weather, with shaded woodland trails, riverside paths and routes to suit a range of abilities. The tree cover can make it feel noticeably cooler on hot days, and the variety of trails means you can choose something that matches your time and energy levels.

Silent Valley Mountain Park offers dramatic scenery without the commitment of a full day in the mountains. Surrounded by the High Mournes, it gives walkers a real sense of being in mountain country while still offering more manageable route options for mixed-ability groups.

Castlewellan Forest Park is another strong choice for those looking to build confidence. With woodland trails, lake views and varied terrain, it is ideal for individuals, community groups or workplace wellbeing sessions where accessibility is important.

Glendalough combines accessible lakeside walks with the option for more challenging mountain routes, making it one of Ireland’s most versatile walking destinations. The mix of history, woodland, waterfalls and mountain scenery allows walkers to choose an experience that suits both their fitness levels and the type of day they want outdoors.

Florence Court Forest Park provides a gentler walking experience with well-maintained trails through woodland and parkland beside the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The varied route options and peaceful surroundings make it particularly suitable for families, wellbeing walks and those wanting a more accessible way to experience the outdoors.

Binevenagh Forest offers a unique mix of forest trails, open hillside and sweeping coastal views along the north coast. Walkers can enjoy routes that combine woodland shelter with dramatic viewpoints, making it an excellent option in summer, when people want both shade and open scenery in the same walk.

Ready for bigger views?

If you have built confidence over the spring months, summer can be the perfect time to explore more exposed terrain.

Divis and the Black Mountain offer panoramic views over Belfast and beyond, making them a rewarding step up from lower-level routes. The terrain is relatively accessible, but the open landscape means weather exposure should not be underestimated.

The Mourne Mountains naturally come into their own in summer, with longer daylight making longer routes more realistic. Lower slopes around Kilbroney Forest or accessible mountain park routes can be a good progression point, while more experienced walkers may be tempted by longer mountain days.

The Dublin Mountains provide a more demanding walking option while still being close to the city. Routes across areas such as Ticknock combine forest tracks, open hillsides and steady climbs, rewarding walkers with extensive views over Dublin Bay and the surrounding countryside.

The Cooley Peninsula offers a rugged landscape that feels remote without requiring high-mountain experience. Walks in this area combine rolling hills, forest sections and coastal viewpoints, making it ideal for those looking to move beyond beginner routes while still enjoying a varied and manageable day outdoors.

Cuilcagh Mountain has become well known for its boardwalk route, but the wider area also offers more challenging upland walking for those wanting to build confidence in mountain terrain. The open landscape and changing conditions can make the environment feel wild and exposed, even during summer months.

The Wicklow Mountains provide some of the most rewarding summer walking on the island of Ireland, with countless route options ranging from moderate hill walks to full mountain days. Longer daylight hours make it easier to explore deeper into the valleys and uplands, with routes offering a strong mix of lakes, forests, waterfalls and open mountain scenery.

The Sperrin Mountains offer a quieter, often less crowded mountain experience, with rolling hills, wide-open landscapes and a strong sense of space. The varied terrain suits walkers looking to progress beyond forest parks and lower-level trails while still avoiding some of the steeper, more demanding mountain routes found elsewhere.

Donegal’s mountains provide a more rugged and adventurous walking experience, particularly during the longer days of summer. Areas such as Errigal, the Bluestacks and the Poisoned Glen combine dramatic scenery with challenging terrain, rewarding walkers with some of the most striking coastal and mountain views anywhere on the island of Ireland.

The key is honesty about your fitness, preparation and navigation confidence. Good weather does not automatically make mountain walking easy.

What to pack for summer walking

Summer walking can feel deceptively straightforward, but preparation still matters.

We recommend bringing:

• Plenty of water (more than you think you will need)
• Energy snacks or a packed lunch
• Breathable layers
• A waterproof outer layer
• Walking boots or sturdy footwear with grip
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• A spare warm layer
• A fully charged phone
• A simple first aid kit
• Insect repellent
• A tick remover if heading into long grass, woodland or moorland

Even in July, mountain weather can change quickly, and exposed ground can feel surprisingly cold once the wind picks up.

Summer walking hazards that people often overlook

Summer may feel less intimidating than winter, but it brings its own risks.

Heat and dehydration can creep up more quickly than many people expect, particularly on exposed mountain routes with little shelter.

Sun exposure is another easy one to underestimate. A cloudy day can still leave you burned after several hours outdoors.

Navigation complacency can be a factor, too. Good visibility can create a false sense of confidence, but if the weather changes or a route becomes unfamiliar, that confidence can disappear quickly.

Ticks are worth being aware of, particularly in woodland, grassy and moorland environments. A quick check after your walk is always sensible.

Livestock can also present challenges, especially where cattle with calves are present. Respect signage, keep your distance and be mindful if walking with dogs.

And after recent wildfires in the Mourne Mountains, it is worth remembering that dry weather can create serious fire risks in upland areas. Avoid anything that could create a spark or flame, respect restrictions, and report concerns if needed.

Sunset walks: beautiful, but plan carefully

One of the real joys of summer walking is the opportunity to stay out later.

A sunset walk can feel like a completely different experience, with softer light, cooler air, quieter trails, and a natural invitation to slow down and notice more. For many people, it is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the outdoors.

But evening walks need planning.

It is easy to underestimate how quickly light fades once the sun drops, particularly in upland areas where visibility can change rapidly. A route that feels straightforward in daylight can feel very different on the return.

If you are planning an evening walk:

• Check sunset times before you go
• Leave plenty of time to return safely
• Carry a head torch
• Bring an extra warm layer
• Choose a route that matches your experience

For guided groups, sunset walks can be a fantastic, shared experience. For less experienced walkers, a little extra caution goes a long way.

Taking notice: what summer gives us outdoors

One of the simplest benefits of summer walking is the chance to experience the outdoors in a different way.

Longer days and warmer conditions often mean we move at a slightly gentler pace, stop for longer, and notice more of what is going on around us.

That might be the scent of pine needles warming in the sun at Tollymore, the earthy smell of peat across open moorland, or the fresh air that follows a summer shower in the mountains.

You might hear skylarks overhead on higher ground, streams flowing through woodland, the rustle of leaves in a light breeze, or simply the quieter rhythm that comes when you step away from traffic, screens and everyday noise.

Summer also changes what we see. Heather beginning to bloom in upland areas, dragonflies near water, butterflies on sheltered paths, grazing sheep on the hillsides, and long evening shadows that make familiar landscapes feel completely different.

Mindfulness does not have to mean sitting still or switching off completely. Sometimes it simply means paying attention to where you are, what you can hear and smell, and how you feel in the moment.

Why summer walking supports wellbeing

Summer can be a busy season. Work does not necessarily slow down, family schedules become more hectic, and the pressure to “make the most of it” can be another source of stress.

Walking offers a useful antidote.

Time outdoors encourages movement, creates space away from screens, helps us slow down mentally, and often improves mood, sleep and overall wellbeing.

Walking side by side also creates a different kind of connection. Conversations tend to flow more naturally outdoors, whether you are catching up with a friend, spending time with family, or sharing the experience with colleagues.

That is one reason outdoor wellbeing experiences can be so effective for organisations and community groups. They create shared experiences that are positive, inclusive and memorable.

Looking ahead

Summer may invite us to go further, but the goal is not always to tackle the biggest mountain on the map.

Sometimes the most rewarding walks are the ones that match your confidence, your energy, and the people you share them with.

With autumn and winter still to come in this series, we will continue to explore how walking changes with the seasons, what to prepare for, and how spending time outdoors can support wellbeing all year round.

For now, enjoy the longer days, prepare well, and make time to get outdoors 💚

If you would like to discuss Healthy Hikes for your workplace colleagues or community group, please contact us.