Irish historian and broadcaster, Professor Diarmaid Ferriter travels to Ulster to complete two trails on either side of the border. The first is in the spectacular Sperrin mountain range in Co.Tyrone.

Starting out 10km from Omagh, his first walk is a 12KM loop in the Gortin Glen, an area beloved by locals for generations.  The area has many walk options and Diarmaid is following a trail which takes in the forest park, a waterfall, spectacular views across the Sperrins and of course no visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without an encounter with a giant. 

Diarmaid is a lover of poetry and he finds plenty of opportunity to recall lines of verse that link with the landscape and with periods of history.   Diarmaid enjoys the company of local musician and writer Declan Forde and historian Dr Patrick Fitzgerald as they walk and talk about the people here and their deep connections with the land. 

The route itself changes constantly and includes forest paths, wide pathways, proper mountain paths but is well waymarked .   This 12km loop is a challenging and beautiful hike with sweeping views and a variety of terrain underfoot.