The best walks and hikes around Meenascallagh
4.8
(10)
155
hikers
9
hikes
Hiking around Meenascallagh, located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, offers access to diverse outdoor landscapes. The region features serene loughs, expansive forests, and gentle riverside trails, set against a backdrop of low-lying hills and proximity to the Sperrin Mountains. Terrain varies from well-maintained paths around Lough Fea to more rugged forest tracks in Davagh Forest. This area provides a range of hiking experiences, from easy loops to moderate ascents.
Best hiking trails around Meenascallagh
- The most popular hiking route is…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(2)
22
hikers
15.9km
04:22
250m
250m
Embark on a moderate hike through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains on the Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle trail. This 9.9-mile (15.9 km) route, with an elevation gain…
21
hikers
5.72km
01:28
20m
20m
Embark on the An Creagán, Forest and River Trail for an easy hiking experience that takes you through diverse landscapes. You'll follow gravel paths and wooden boardwalks, winding through an…
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5.0
(1)
16
hikers
10.5km
02:55
200m
200m
Embark on the Davagh Forest Red Trail, a moderate hiking route spanning 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with an elevation gain of 651 feet (198 metres). This journey, estimated to take…
4.5
(2)
39
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
34
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Meenascallagh
Tips from the Community
High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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On this stretch of the Solar Walk in Davagh Forest near the OM Observatory a pretty stone bridge spans over the Davagh water creating a picturesque scene. It's also fascinating to note that this area is a Dark Sky Park, meaning it boasts exceptional dark night skies.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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An Cregán Visitor Centre is worth a visit for an introduction to the beautiful surroundings, its biodiversity, archaeology and history.There is a cafe and a children's park, nature walks, bronze age replicas and even holiday cottages. For more information see their website
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The Creggan Wood Walk talks you on a meandering course through a unique bogland featuring a fantastic array of plantlife including sphagnum moss, cranberry, crowberry, and bilberry amongst many others. A gravel path and raised boardwalk will lead you around the area so you can get in and amongst this fantastic landscape without getting your feet wet.
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The An Creagan Visitor Centre is an introduction to the beautiful biodiversity and archeology on offer at Creggan Wood. The centre is fit with a licensed restaurant, bar, craft shop, conference facilities, children's play area, and even holiday cottages.
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Davagh Forest is a coniferous woodland filled with towering pine and spruce plantation with an understory of blanket bog. A number of winding gravel paths will take you through the forest crossing creeks and passing fabulous vantage points where you can enjoy scenes of the surrounding countryside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Meenascallagh?
The Meenascallagh area offers around 10 distinct hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to moderate forest trails. These routes explore diverse landscapes including lough-side paths, woodlands, and low-lying hills.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Meenascallagh?
You can expect a variety of terrain, from well-maintained paths around serene loughs like Lough Fea to more rugged forest tracks within areas such as Davagh Forest and Drum Manor Forest Park. The region also features gentle riverside trails and low-lying hills, with proximity to the more expansive Sperrin Mountains offering varied landscapes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Meenascallagh?
The hiking routes around Meenascallagh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from peaceful forest paths to historical sites, and the accessibility of trails for different ability levels.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking options available?
Yes, there are several easy and family-friendly options. For example, the An Creagán, Forest and River Trail is an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) path through forest and along a river. Lough Fea also offers an accessible 2.6-mile (4.1 km) loop suitable for all fitness levels, with well-maintained paths.
Can I find circular walks near Meenascallagh?
Yes, circular walks are available. Lough Fea features an accessible 2.6-mile (4.1 km) loop trail, and Drum Manor Forest Park offers multiple loop trails, including an easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) option through woodlands and past a lake. The The Solar Walk Boardwalk – Stone Bridge over Davagh Water loop from Beaghmore is another easy circular option.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to see while hiking?
Absolutely. The area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, which are considered among Ireland's finest Neolithic cairns, often incorporated into routes like Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle — Sperrins. Another notable site is the Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone.
What natural features can I explore in the area?
Hikers can explore diverse natural features. Drum Manor Forest Park offers beautiful mature deciduous woodlands, ponds, and gardens, with trails like the Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail. The Creggan Wood Walk provides another opportunity to experience serene forest environments.
Are there dog-friendly trails in the Meenascallagh area?
Many trails in the region, particularly within forest parks like Drum Manor Forest Park and Davagh Forest, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, often on a lead. It's always best to check local signage for specific rules regarding pets.
What are the options for more challenging hikes?
While many routes are easy to moderate, the proximity to the Sperrin Mountains offers opportunities for more challenging hikes with expansive views. Within the immediate area, routes like Davagh Forest Red Trail (6.5 miles / 10.5 km) and Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle — Sperrins (9.9 miles / 15.9 km) provide moderate ascents and varied forest terrain.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available at popular trailheads and attractions. For instance, Drum Manor Forest Park and Davagh Forest both offer designated parking facilities for visitors accessing their trail networks.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Meenascallagh?
The best time to hike in the Meenascallagh area is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. These seasons offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the loughs, forests, and hills.
Are there any visitor centers or facilities nearby?
Yes, the An Creagan Visitor Centre is a local facility that can provide information and amenities for hikers exploring the surrounding trails and natural areas.
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