The Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast is one of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting hiking trails, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and thriving birdlife. This captivating route winds through the picturesque glens and rugged coastline showcasing natural wonders such as the iconic Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the wild beauty of Rathlin Island. A highlight for birdwatchers, Rathlin Island is a haven for seabirds. When on the island you can take the puffin bus to the famed West Light Seabird Centre where puffins steal the show with their cartoon-like look, vibrant beaks and playful behaviour during the summer months. You should also see Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Fulmars on the Atlantic cliff faces. Thousands of birds swell the population during the summer months to rear chicks. Other parts of the reserve has grasslands and lakes where you might find Buzzards, Ravens, Snipe, Skylarks and even the blue eyed Rathlin Irish Hare. As you trek along the coastal paths, you’ll encounter sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, sea cliffs and a mosaic of habitats full of wildlife. The trail is also rich with cultural and historical landmarks making this a favourite trail with many diverse features.

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) is one of Portugal’s most spectacular coastal hiking routes, celebrated for its untamed beauty and abundant birdlife. Stretching along the rugged cliffs and golden beaches of Alentejo and Vicentina Coast this trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and provides access to pristine and secluded landscapes. A highlight for birders, the area is home to striking White Storks that nest dramatically on cliff edges as well as numerous migratory birds that pass through on their long journeys. The population of White Storks has grown significantly since they were given protected status in the 1980’s. You can readily see them nesting on rocky outcrops and sea stacks along the coast in southern Alentejo. This coastal nesting only happens in Portugal and is a recent phenomenon. Originally migratory birds many now no longer make the journey south because of climate change. They also have the distinction of not having any voice box and so perform a mating display which takes the form of “beak clacking”.  Walking the Fishermen’s Trail provides an intimate connection to the sea and its wildlife, with every turn revealing new cliffs, coves and the calls of seabirds soaring overhead.

The Beara Way, a hidden gem among Ireland’s hiking trails, offers walkers a truly unique experience in the beauty of an unspoilt and still wild region of South West Ireland. This rugged route takes you through a diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, ancient woodlands and hills dotted with historical sites such as ancient stone circles, homestead ruins and old copper mines. Birdwatchers will be enchanted by the sound of Cuckoos calling through the valleys in spring after their flight from Africa, a distinctive echo that defines the season in this remote corner of Ireland. On the coastline in quiet areas you will see Snipe, Cormorants, Oystercatchers, Little Egrets. When the sea is rich with fish you will see Gannets dive at speed and crash into the water to seize their prey. It really is quite a sight. Traversing the peninsula, you may also spot Kestrels hovering over the open plain, Herons fishing in quiet bays and Choughs with their striking red beaks and legs circling the cliffs. The Beara Way’s blend of rich wildlife, quaint villages and sweeping Atlantic views makes it a birders must-hike trail, offering an ever-changing panorama of both scenery and birdlife for nature enthusiasts and walkers alike.

The Great Glen Way & Loch Ness, stretching from Fort William to Inverness, is one of Scotland’s most renowned long-distance hiking trails, weaving through a landscape rich with history and natural beauty. Following the famous Caledonian Canal and tracing the shores of the iconic Loch Ness, this trail offers not only breathtaking views but also remarkable wildlife encounters. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting Ospreys swooping over the lochs in search of fish, while the skies above the Scottish Highlands are often graced by majestic Golden Eagles soaring high above the rugged terrain searching for food below. As well as birds of prey the route has other native species such as the Eurasian Bullfinch, Great Cormorant, Goosander, Mute Swan, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit and Grey Wagtail. The Great Glen Way & Loch Ness offers hikers an amazing journey through one of Scotland’s most storied landscapes, where nature’s grandeur is ever-present and wildlife thrives.

The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s most popular long-distance hiking trails offering a journey through the varied landscapes of County Kerry. This route has it all taking you through valleys and mountains along the dramatic Atlantic coastline, with highlights such as the Killarney National Park. There is an active repopulation scheme to re-introduce the White Tailed Eagle to Kerry. In 2007-11 the first phase of 100 chicks resulted in 8-10 pairs of birds breeding around 31 chicks. The second phase is now underway. Within the lakes area you will find Peregrines, Merlins and Greenland White-fronted Geese. On the coast the trail passes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skellig Islands. The Skelligs are renowned as a birdwatchers paradise especially during the summer months when puffins arrive in their thousands, delighting birders with their colourful beaks and quirky behaviour. Little Skellig is host to the second largest Gannet colony in the world with 26,000 nests as of the year 2,000. The Kerry Seas National Park aims to protect the important sea bird population in the region which is of international significance. The Kerry Way is also steeped in cultural and historical landmarks, including ancient ruins and traditional Irish villages, making it a perfect blend for those keen on nature and heritage.