WALK into another world
Let us introduce you to spaces and places you may not have met before or familiar haunts that you will see with new eyes . With Walk It off NI, walking is a means and an end.
‘Threads and Breads’
WITH Walk IT OFF ni
Join Nikki Spinning Yarns and Eating Cake, a Family Experience, Unique Walking and Food Tour.
WALK Into well being
For mental and physical health and general well being, walking works! Join in one of our walks or experiences and enjoy the benefits of being outside and on the move in beautiful surroundings.
As seen in the Ulster Tatler September 2022
‘Hillsborough Royal Brew’
Book the New Sensation FILLED
Hillsborough Royal Brew Experience
Walking and wellbeing, exploring the heritage, brewed and fermented in Royal Hillsborough. Complete with exclusive tapas and beer tasting.
*Discount for National Trust members and previous Walk it Off NI walkers.
walk with friends
Bring a group to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a shared experience. Treat your friends or loved ones to a unique gift of a relaxing and restorative encounter with nature.
WALK up an appetite
Join one of our walk and food experiences and savour the best flavours lovingly prepared. Who doesn’t love a walk with a delicious treat at the end!
WALK into another world
Let us introduce you to spaces and places you may not have met before or familiar haunts that you will see with new eyes . With Walk It off NI, walking is a means and an end.
WALK Into well being
For mental and physical health and general well being, walking works! Join in one of our walks or experiences and enjoy the benefits of being outside and on the move in beautiful surroundings.
walk with friends
Bring a group to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a shared experience. Treat your friends or loved ones to a unique gift of a relaxing and restorative encounter with nature.
WALK up an appetite
Join one of our walk and food experiences and savour the best flavours lovingly prepared. Who doesn’t love a walk with a delicious treat at the end!
As seen in the Ulster Tatler September 2022
‘Hillsborough Royal Brew’
Book the New Sensation FILLED
Hillsborough Royal Brew Experience
Walking and wellbeing, exploring the heritage, brewed and fermented in Royal Hillsborough. Complete with exclusive tapas and beer tasting.
*Discount for National Trust members and previous Walk it Off NI walkers.
‘WONDERWALK’
Join us for this exclusive guided walk and lunch
in National Trust Minnowburn’s
inspirational natural beauty.
*Discount for National Trust members and previous Walk it Off NI walkers.
‘Threads and Breads’
WITH Walk IT OFF ni
Join Nikki Spinning Yarns and Eating Cake, a Family Experience, Unique Walking and Food Tour.
CLICK TO Learn More about our exclusive experiences
CLICK TO Learn More about our exclusive experiences
Bespoke experience design
Do you want to inspire your guests and offer something unique?
With a proven history of curating small group walking tours with a food and heritage element, Nikki Elliot from Walk It Off NI will design your bespoke experience, researching stories from your locale and connecting you with local artisans, to provide you with an engaging, experiential product for your clients.
Your experience can be built for you, and delivered as a script, audio guide, or in the form of training for your own guides to deliver.
Contact Nikki for a free 30 minute chat about taking your tourism offering to the next level.
Walk it Off NI Testimonials
Thank you to all our walking companions for their company and for the kind words we are delighted to share with everyone below.
- - Siofra O’Reilly
A truly delightful trek Nikki took us through the park at an invigorating healthy pace stopping occasionally as she pointed out things of interest of the history of the park. Our small group never stopped chatting enthusiastically as we walked through parts of the park I personally have never seen before….It was a lovely... read moreNikki took us through the park at an invigorating healthy pace stopping occasionally as she pointed out things of interest of the history of the park. Our small group never stopped chatting enthusiastically as we walked through parts of the park I personally have never seen before….It was a lovely experience and great company and our guide Nikki and host Antonia managed to create a very warm welcoming atmosphere that we couldn’t help but be relaxed and chilled throughout. It was a truly delightful trek with tasty treats to refresh and tempt us and I was left with a lovely warm autumnal glow after the whole experience. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good walk and a food treat combined and to discover some of the hidden delights of South Belfast. read less - Siofra O’Reilly
- - David
Saintfield Men's Shed Brilliant, Thank you so much - David
- - Christine McKinney
Two Complementary and Unique Experiences Walk it off NI and Hidden Huntley are two complementary and unique experiences with two wonderful hosts. Nikki met us at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon’s park on a beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed a guided tour through the park with very easy conversation intermingled with unusual and informative facts... read moreWalk it off NI and Hidden Huntley are two complementary and unique experiences with two wonderful hosts. Nikki met us at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon’s park on a beautiful sunny day. We enjoyed a guided tour through the park with very easy conversation intermingled with unusual and informative facts from Nikki. We meandered our way through the park and a little suburbia to arrive at Huntley House. Hidden Huntley is a perfect description of this oasis of calm away from it all. Antonia greeted us and lead us into the walled garden where we enjoyed excellent conversation along with an alfresco artisan lunch just right for the day. Finishing with a guided tour of the walled garden we then made our way back to the park and a leisurely stroll back to our starting point with Nikki.We were both surprised and delighted with her beautiful gift of hand made cards. I can highly recommend this as an excellent way to spend a day weather as a couple or small group and would make a unique gift for partner, friends or colleagues. Best of all it’s on your doorstep here waiting for you to discover in wonderful NI. Thanks so much Nikki and Antonia. read less - Christine McKinney
- - Una
A gorgeous day out! Just wanted to say thanks again for providing such a gorgeous day out for us on Saturday. I booked the Hidden Huntley tour to give my friends an unusual birthday outing and you certainly hit the mark! We really enjoyed the walk, the company and Antonia's super... read moreJust wanted to say thanks again for providing such a gorgeous day out for us on Saturday. I booked the Hidden Huntley tour to give my friends an unusual birthday outing and you certainly hit the mark! We really enjoyed the walk, the company and Antonia's super lunch. Hope to see you on another one soon. read less - Una
- - Evelyn
a message to say a very big thank you from myself Hi Nikki, a message to say a very big thank you from myself and Paul for guiding us on that amazing walk in the Sir Thomas and Lady Dickson Park last Thursday. It was my first time there and I shall certainly return! And of course... read moreHi Nikki, a message to say a very big thank you from myself and Paul for guiding us on that amazing walk in the Sir Thomas and Lady Dickson Park last Thursday. It was my first time there and I shall certainly return! And of course lunch by Antonia at Hidden Huntley was amazing as was the walk around her beautiful garden...very envious of her walled garden! Thank you again and I hope that I can join with walkitoffni in the future. Evelyn and Paul
read less - Evelyn - - Iryna
Very useful walk It was a very rewarding walk. We had a great time with the whole family, met new people, learned some interesting facts about the park. We also received a wonderful book about nature as a gift. Thanks Sharon and Lucinda - Iryna
- - Constance
Hazel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves today from the moment you met us until we all parted company. Hi Nikki
Hazel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves today from the moment you met us until we all parted company. We both love history and hearing about other peoples' lives. We might not remember all of the details but we do appreciate the effort that is put into collating that information.... read moreHi Nikki
Hazel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves today from the moment you met us until we all parted company. We both love history and hearing about other peoples' lives. We might not remember all of the details but we do appreciate the effort that is put into collating that information.
A big Thank You also to Antonia for a very enjoyable lunch and for allowing us to see her beautiful garden.
Thankyou again x read less - Constance - - Mary Nagele
Gorgeous autumn colours, great company, delicious home cooked food Thank you Nikki for the most wonderful day today. The Hidden Huntley walk through Lady Dixon was really beautiful. Gorgeous autumn colours, great company, delicious home cooked food and music in the beautiful walled garden. Great to learn more about what is right on my doorstep! Thank you! Look forward... read moreThank you Nikki for the most wonderful day today. The Hidden Huntley walk through Lady Dixon was really beautiful. Gorgeous autumn colours, great company, delicious home cooked food and music in the beautiful walled garden. Great to learn more about what is right on my doorstep! Thank you! Look forward to the next one x read less - Mary Nagele
- - Keith
Saintfield Men's Shed Excellent, First Class, Keith Simpson - Keith
- - Liz Brown
All in all a really uplifting experience Nikki I have been meaning and meaning to email you since last week and I’ve just closed down my machine for the night and so I’m now texting!!!! It was just to say a huge thank you for last Thu and so sorry not to have done so sooner. But... read moreNikki I have been meaning and meaning to email you since last week and I’ve just closed down my machine for the night and so I’m now texting!!!! It was just to say a huge thank you for last Thu and so sorry not to have done so sooner. But the happy memories have lingered of a fabulous day, wonderful company, beautiful surroundings and all in all a really uplifting experience with such thoughtful touches. So, I’m really sorry not to have been in touch sooner but I so enjoyed the company and the whole experience. I hope you are planning the next one! xx read less - Liz Brown
- - Susan McDowell
The most fun I have had in the rain Thanks so much for inviting Manfred and me on your inaugural walk- we were honoured to be included and really enjoyed ourselves and the company of your friends yesterday. Probably the most fun I have had whilst walking in the rain! - Susan McDowell
- - Caroline Clarke
Hidden Huntley Experience I’d been saving up the Hidden Huntley experience with Walk it Off NI as a post lockdown treat forever, and this along with tickets to Paddy Raff and the thought of my first shopping trip for clothes in more than a year, provided me plenty of happy daydreams to keep... read moreI’d been saving up the Hidden Huntley experience with Walk it Off NI as a post lockdown treat forever, and this along with tickets to Paddy Raff and the thought of my first shopping trip for clothes in more than a year, provided me plenty of happy daydreams to keep me going through the time-warping spring and summer of pandemic year 2.0.
It was a time when, like many, I gained a renewed appreciation of being outdoors in nature. Whilst there was a touch of cliché about it in my case (growing veg in the backyard etc…!) it seemed to me that Nikki from Walk It Off NI had caught the mood with her passion for harnessing the simple joy of walking and absorbing the beauty of our surroundings. To add to the attraction, the Walk It Off NI Hidden Huntley tour included an al fresco artisan lunch to end the afternoon, in the Victorian walled garden of a former linen house on the outskirts of Dunmurry. I booked for mid-September, always a beautiful time when the light is at its most vivid.
Our meeting point was a picnic table under a canopy of leaves just beginning to take on their autumn colours near The Stables café in Lady Dixon park. We had lucked out with the weather which was bright and dry, with just enough end of summer heat to take the chill off the air. Nikki immediately put us at ease with introductions. Although like many natives of Belfast I’ve been to Lady Dixon manys a time, as we got underway and set off towards the walled garden I began to realise that walking the familiar paths with Nikki added a whole new dimension. I learned about the history of the linen families who had originally owned the land, then bequethed it to Belfast City Council for the benefit of the citizens, something I must admit I had not appreciated before! As well as sharing her knowledge of the local heritage, Nikki ensured we also had time to chat amongst ourselves or just walk along in companionable silence. She is true to her motto – your time, your place, your pace!
The walk was well-adjusted to the fitness level of the group and as we were all fairly active we were able to tackle a few steep treks on our walk. At the top of one incline we emerged panting from the trees and were rewarded with a panoramic view down over the rolling hills of…..? (none of us could pinpoint the name of the toytown of green fields criss-crossed with hedges that unfolded majestically in the distance…somewhere on the way to Lisburn we reckoned!)
I would describe the heart of the Walk If Off NI experience as one of seeing your surroundings with new eyes, and appreciating the knowledge of others to bring little details alive, whether it was tips on which of those plate sized mushrooms growing out of a tree trunk it would be safe to eat, or the unexpected scent of needles rubbed between the fingers as we stopped to admire the elegant fir trees fringing our path – fruit gums? Pear drops….? Not the smell of pine anyway all were agreed. In the rose garden, tips were traded by the keen gardeners among us, then for the last leg of the walk Nikki led us off the beaten track and along a woodland path I’d never come across before. It was an added bonus of the day to discover new and unknown routes for future walks.
We made our way out of the park and headed down Dunmurry Lane towards our final destination, ‘Hidden Huntley’, a charming cream-coloured country house set in its own grounds, where we were to have a gourmet lunch made from home-grown ingredients. Our hostess, Antonia Malcolm, greeted us at the gate and led us around the grounds to the walled garden which we entered through a perfectly preserved covered gateway complete with old tools hung on the walls and cobbles underfoot. We made our way into an airy greenhouse and set to filling our plates at a leisurely pace from the lovely buffet laid out for us. Along each side ran wooden shelves stacked with jars and labels. Jam-making was definitely in the offing!
Antonia seated us at a table in the afternoon sun. Behind us the garden wall was laden with ripening pears. Across the lawn windfalls dotted the grass under mossy apple trees. Both fruits made an appearance after a delicious main course of pate, salad and breads, in the form of a choice of two truly unforgettable tarts. It would have been rude not to have a slice of each! As we enjoyed the scrumptious spread, Dilly, a little dote of a terrier, meandered under the table doing a great job hoovering up any crumbs. It was only as we chatted over lunch that I realised several of the group had come together on a birthday outing. It was testament I felt to the easy spirit of camaraderie created by Nikki that whether you came alone or with others, a Walk It Off NI walking tour is very much a shared experience. The afternoon came to an end with a relaxed wander around the garden, coffee in hand, admiring the many little corners seemingly unchanged in 100 years, with some taking the chance to buy a pot of Antonia’s homemade jam and others looking up particularly unusual plants on their apps.
Nikki is full of interesting gems to share about the countryside that we are lucky enough to have right on our doorstep and really brings it alive. I feel sure she gathers more nuggets each time to share with future walkers! All in all, the Hidden Huntley experience was a treat for the senses that left me feeling refreshed and educated me in how much enjoyment there can be in seeing the world around me with new eyes.
read less - Caroline Clarke - - Sharon R -East Belfast Mission
Family Park Event Just wanted to say a huge thanks to Nikki for leading a fun-filled walk with the families from our Community Family Support Program. We explored Lady Dixon Park, did a scavenger hunt with the children and enjoyed a delicious locally baked picnic. Nikki was great with the children and... read moreJust wanted to say a huge thanks to Nikki for leading a fun-filled walk with the families from our Community Family Support Program. We explored Lady Dixon Park, did a scavenger hunt with the children and enjoyed a delicious locally baked picnic. Nikki was great with the children and very flexible around times and the itinerary for the day too. I would use Walk it Off NI again without a doubt! read less - Sharon R -
East Belfast Mission - - Kelly Hargie
A Wonderful Experience At the end of January I joined the lovely Nikki for her fabulous ‘Hidden Huntley’ experience. Nikki and I connected through social media a few years ago, as is commonplace these days, and regularly support one another’s work, but have never actually met in person until a few weeks ago.... read moreAt the end of January I joined the lovely Nikki for her fabulous ‘Hidden Huntley’ experience. Nikki and I connected through social media a few years ago, as is commonplace these days, and regularly support one another’s work, but have never actually met in person until a few weeks ago. Finally, a date suited and I excitedly booked to attend the January date of her guided walking experience to Huntley House.
I was joined by my friend Tammie, who was kindly gifted a space on the experience by entering an online giveaway. So, on a crisp Thursday morning in January we joined with 3 others for a leisurely stroll around Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel so welcome by Nikki and she generously shared her knowledge and passion for the area. The chat among guests was easy as we wandered through the woodland and rose gardens and despite the cold the rain thankfully stayed away!
After an hour’s walking, we left the parkland and crossed the road to make our way to Huntley House – a stunning 1820s family home a short drive from Belfast City Centre which is set in 5 acres of gardens. Owner, Antonia, and her little dog, Dilly, welcomed us into their beautiful home which now operates as a B&B.The dining table was beautifully laid and awaiting our arrival, complete with special touches from Nikki including a poem and beautiful cards she had made for each of us – those thoughtful little details really added a touch of sparkle. Lunch was served and we were treated to homemade roasted red pepper and tomato soup (delicious!), fresh breads and a selection of cheeses, homemade elderflower cordial, followed by a dessert of tasty homemade biscuits and cake, tea and coffee – we were all fit to burst but felt so well looked after. While we ate, Antonia kindly shared stories of Huntley House’s history and of her own life and travels which was fascinating to hear.
When it was time to leave, a beautiful fresh heather arrangement was given to Tammie as winner of the online competition and everyone hugged – how nice to arrive as strangers and leave as friends. The chit-chat continued as we were shown around the gardens and greenhouse before wandering back through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park towards the carpark, everyone agreeing that it had been a really special way to spend a Thursday morning and had felt like a real treat. Massive thanks to Nikki from Walk It Off NI for organising the event and to Antonia for welcoming us into your home so warmly – a wonderful experience! read less - Kelly Hargie - - Anita Murphy
A wonderful mindful experience A Wonderful Mindful Experience. Thank you to Niki and Antonia for a lovely experience. The walk off the beaten track into Thomas and Lady Dixon park was beautiful in the autumn colours. It’s so relaxing to be led by someone who knows where they’re going. It allows you to fully... read moreA Wonderful Mindful Experience. Thank you to Niki and Antonia for a lovely experience. The walk off the beaten track into Thomas and Lady Dixon park was beautiful in the autumn colours. It’s so relaxing to be led by someone who knows where they’re going. It allows you to fully switch off and enjoy each step. The walled garden at Huntley is such a hidden gem and it was a joy to be served lunch in the greenhouse and to chat to fellow walkers. This is a truly unique experience highly recommended. read less - Anita Murphy
- - Joanne Glasgow
Endorphins boosted on an exploration of 'hidden' treasures in Lady Dixon Park and Huntly House Today I had a wonderful walk and talk around Lady Dixon Park and superbly tasty lunch prepared by Antonia in her walled garden at Huntly House.
A trifle worried about the inclement weather the day before, I dressed appropriately for a Spring walk. Met by Nikki, we, three of us, had... read moreToday I had a wonderful walk and talk around Lady Dixon Park and superbly tasty lunch prepared by Antonia in her walled garden at Huntly House.
A trifle worried about the inclement weather the day before, I dressed appropriately for a Spring walk. Met by Nikki, we, three of us, had a fascinating walk round the estate, I'd no idea there was a walled garden, crown fountain or an azalea walk. In the midst of the park the traffic and business of Belfast could have been miles away. We saw amazing trees, early camellias, very tuneful robins and touching pet gravestones. I will certainly go back. We however were far from finished, a short walk down Dunmurry Lane and we met Antonia in her walled garden. The sun came out and we had a brilliant lunch, Antonia catering for dietary requirements. All too soon we had to return to the carpark, Nikki and Antonia were just lovely, a great day's crack and exercise to boot (though not responsible for the weather obviously, the watery sunshine and temperate weather were a great bonus. Thank you so much read less - Joanne Glasgow - - Jemma murphy
Lady Dixon park It was amazing to get a walk round and with fun with the kids . Great for a family day out and exhausted kids by the time we got home - Jemma murphy
- - Sarah Elliott
Had the most amazing time yesterday Had the most amazing time yesterday- when I really needed it.. second time out walking with Nikki and being able to enjoy the walk and the beauty of our surroundings without having to think where we were was bliss. Gave me the time and space to get recentered after I... read moreHad the most amazing time yesterday- when I really needed it.. second time out walking with Nikki and being able to enjoy the walk and the beauty of our surroundings without having to think where we were was bliss. Gave me the time and space to get recentered after I hit my personal wall of this pandemic. Thank you Nikki- you are a literal sanity saver read less - Sarah Elliott
- - Melanie Boyd
I can't recommend WalkitoffNI enough I can’t recommend WalkItOffNI enough! It gives you the space to just breathe and be free. I have walked with Nikki twice and each time I have left feeling refreshed and less weighed down. There’s absolutely no pressure, all controlled by you. So you can decide the pace, the walking... read moreI can’t recommend WalkItOffNI enough! It gives you the space to just breathe and be free. I have walked with Nikki twice and each time I have left feeling refreshed and less weighed down. There’s absolutely no pressure, all controlled by you. So you can decide the pace, the walking trail, and what you talk about. And Nikki is just so lovely; she just listens. She is understanding and non-judgemental. She’s a friend by your side when you need one the most.
#Peoplewalker Reviews read less - Melanie Boyd - - Krystal
A relaxing experience Went to Lady Dixon Park with Nikki. She is knowledgeable, patient, and thoughtful. - Krystal
Walk it Off NI Video Adventures
WALK WITH US
Enjoy and share the sights and sounds of the Lagan Valley, area of outstanding natural beauty.
autumn experience
guided walk and supper with extra sparkle!
Escape the daily routine. Switch off your phone and give your mind a holiday.
Join Nikki at Walk It Off NI’s brand new Twilight Hidden Huntley Experience and explore the nature, heritage and culture of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Digitally detox & stroll the gorgeous parkland, on a wild pathway to a delicious supper as dusk falls at Hidden Huntley.
As you walk through this beautiful space, I weave a narrative combining the history, environmental features and the odd random fact. Connecting you with this natural place in the liminal space between ancient and new.
Find our meeting point through what 3 words click: ///salsa.shark.discrepancy