Artisan picnics meet ancient trails in intimate small-group walking adventures across the Lagan Valley area of Northern Ireland. That, in a sentence, is Walk It Off NI - but it barely scratches the surface of what Nikki Elliott has built. Based in Drumbeg on the outskirts of Belfast, Nikki is a guide, storyteller and slow tourism pioneer who has spent years threading together the landscapes, heritage and local food of County Down and the Lagan Valley into experiences that feel genuinely unlike anything else on offer. Each walk is lovingly crafted to help guests discover hidden gardens, untold stories, and local flavours that locals cherish — beyond the tourist trail and at your own pace. The experiences range from forest bathing and gourmet picnics in National Trust woodland to heritage walks through the royal village of Hillsborough, a journey through linen and food history at the Giant's Ring, and a magical lunch in the walled Victorian kitchen garden of a private County Down estate. What unites all of them is a commitment to place, to provenance, and to genuine slowness. Every picnic features locally sourced and artisan food; every route tells a story rooted in where you are standing. Walk It Off NI is certified carbon literate, Leave No Trace trained and donates a portion of each Wonderwalk ticket directly to National Trust NI for conservation of the Minnowburn ecosystem. These are not just walks. They are an argument for a different way of experiencing Northern Ireland and they are earning the press coverage to prove it, from The Guardian and Singapore Airlines Magazine to Women's Weekly and the Ulster Tatler.

Days, dates and times

Experiences run throughout the year as scheduled public dates and by private group booking. All walks start at 10.30am sharp and last approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. For the current schedule of public dates and to check availability for private bookings, visit walkitoffni.com or contact Nikki directly.

About this experience

Walk It Off NI currently offers four signature experiences: Wonderwalk: a guided wellbeing walk through National Trust Minnowburn, with forest bathing under ancient trees, a curated Northern Irish picnic lunch in an Arts and Crafts secret garden, and storytelling that weaves environmental history with the ancient and the new. 5K, departing from Minnowburn Car Park. 20% of every ticket goes to National Trust NI. Hidden Huntley: a trip through time weaving a story of food, forest and family, walking through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park before arriving at Huntley House - a private Victorian estate with a walled kitchen garden - for an artisan lunch hosted by the owner. One of the most distinctive food experiences in Northern Ireland. Threads & Breads: a stroll through living history, spinning yarns of food and fabric in beautiful, natural landscapes around the Giant's Ring, one of Ireland's most significant prehistoric monuments. A walk that connects the linen industry, food heritage and the ancient landscape of County Down. Hillsborough Royal Brew: a small-group guided wellbeing and heritage walk through the lesser-known corners of Royal Hillsborough, including its stunning lake, tranquil forest and charming village streets, uncovering stories of its royal and brewing heritage, with a locally sourced outdoor picnic and a visit to a historic 18th-century coaching inn. Meets outside the historic Plough Inn, Royal Hillsborough. Private group tours and bespoke experience design for tourism businesses are also available.

How to book / attend

Book directly online at walkitoffni.com or contact Nikki to discuss private and bespoke bookings. Gift vouchers are available. Spaces are limited on all experiences; early booking is strongly recommended. 📞 079 6881 6988 ✉️ nikki@walkitoffni.com

Website

walkitoffni.com

Address Summary

Walk It Off NI is based in Drumbeg, with experiences across the Lagan Valley and County Down.