The best walks and hikes around Alderwood

Alderwood offers a diverse landscape for hiking, characterized by a mix of loughs (lakes), forests, and hills. You'll find paths winding through wooded areas, alongside bodies of water, and some routes include ascents to local hills. The region provides options for various ability levels, from easy walks to moderate hikes.

Yes, Alderwood has several easy trails suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. A good option is the Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry, which is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) long and takes about 1 hour 51 minutes to complete. Another easy choice is the Lough Jenkin – Lough Nadarra loop from Altagoaghan, a 4.4 km route.

Many of the trails in Alderwood are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. For example, the popular Lough Antrawer Loop is a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) moderate route that takes you around the lough and includes ascents to hills. Another option is the Slieve Beagh loop via lough Antrawer, a 5.6-mile (9.0 km) moderate path with views of the surrounding hills.

Hikers in Alderwood can enjoy scenic views of loughs and hills. The Lough Antrawer Loop offers views of Lough Antrawer itself, and the Slieve Beagh loop provides vistas of the surrounding hills and lough. You might also consider visiting Carnmore Lough or Lough Antrawar, which are notable natural attractions in the area.

The hiking routes in Alderwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 29 hikers have used komoot to explore Alderwood's varied terrain, often praising the scenic loughs, forests, and hills that define the region's outdoor experience.

While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the guide, the presence of easy trails like the Errasallagh and Kimran Forest loop via Lough Corry suggests suitable options for families. Additionally, Alderwood State Wayside in Oregon is known for its short, family-friendly trails and picnic areas, making it a good spot for a relaxing outing with children.

The region's characteristics, including forests and wildflowers, suggest that spring and autumn would be particularly beautiful. In spring, areas like Alderwood State Wayside in Oregon are known for wildflowers like trillium. Autumn would offer vibrant fall foliage. However, the trails are generally accessible throughout the year, with conditions varying by season.

Alderwood's forested areas, particularly in places like Alderwood State Wayside in Oregon, are home to large Douglas fir trees, Pacific dogwood, big leaf maple, and various other flora. Birdwatchers might spot kingfishers, and cutthroat trout can be seen in the Long Tom River. The presence of loughs also suggests opportunities for observing waterfowl and other aquatic life.

While the guide primarily features easy to moderate routes, some trails offer a good distance and moderate challenge. The Lough Antrawer Loop is a moderate 7.2 miles (11.6 km) trail with ascents, taking over three hours to complete. The Turnaround Point loop from Crocknagrally is another moderate option, covering 10.1 km.

The terrain in Alderwood is varied, encompassing paths through wooded areas, alongside loughs, and over hills. You can expect a mix of surfaces, from forest trails to potentially gravel paths, as indicated by features like the Slieve Beagh Gravel Road highlight. Some routes will involve moderate elevation changes as they ascend local hills.

Yes, beyond the natural beauty, there are some interesting points nearby. For instance, the Cooneen Ghost House is a notable historical site in the vicinity that hikers might find intriguing.