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 - Gillian Robb -

Saintfield Men's Shed Most Enjoyable, Thank you. - Mervyn

  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

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 -

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

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

Saintfield Men's Shed A wonderful tour with an excellent guide! Thank you - Stephen

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 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

Alix What a wonderful day my friend and I had with Nikki exploring Lady Dixon Park and Hidden Huntley. There is something invigorating about being outdoors, taking time to enjoy your surroundings and nature, and of course meeting new people! Nikki was a superb guide and the walk and talk was... read moreWhat a wonderful day my friend and I had with Nikki exploring Lady Dixon Park and Hidden Huntley. There is something invigorating about being outdoors, taking time to enjoy your surroundings and nature, and of course meeting new people! Nikki was a superb guide and the walk and talk was so enjoyable we didn't notice the rain. We met some lovely ladies and lunch was fabulous, fresh and homemade. We would thoroughly recommend doing a tour with Nikki. Thanks for a fantastic experience! read less - Alix Crawford

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

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

A relaxing experience Went to Lady Dixon Park with Nikki. She is knowledgeable, patient, and thoughtful. - Krystal

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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