A lovely pause Phone pics only today with all the rain but it was such a great day! We walked through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon park to Dunmurry and on to Huntley and its impressive gardens and took a lovely pause… then walked back again! This is the first of @walkitoffni’s curated... read morePhone pics only today with all the rain but it was such a great day! We walked through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon park to Dunmurry and on to Huntley and its impressive gardens and took a lovely pause… then walked back again! This is the first of @walkitoffni’s curated walking experiences – go follow Nikki to find out more or check out her website. read less

The Huntley walled garden is stunning This afternoon was beautiful. The Huntley walled garden is stunning, even on the edge of winter. Thank you for inviting me. x - Marnie Kennedy

  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A great way to spend a few hours I thoroughly enjoyed the Hidden Huntley experience with Nikki. We spent a glorious morning walking through the woods taking in autumn in all its amazing beauty, chatting and getting to know my fellow walkers. We were then treated to a feast of fresh soup, breads, cheeses and sweet delights from... read moreI thoroughly enjoyed the Hidden Huntley experience with Nikki. We spent a glorious morning walking through the woods taking in autumn in all its amazing beauty, chatting and getting to know my fellow walkers. We were then treated to a feast of fresh soup, breads, cheeses and sweet delights from the lovely Antonia at Huntley house. It was a great way to spend a few hours meeting some amazing people. Thanks Nikki. read less - Debbie Simpey

  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

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.
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