The best walks and hikes around Drumnamalta
4.9
(22)
238
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking around Drumnamalta offers a variety of trails through diverse landscapes. The region features forest parks, tranquil loughs, and areas with historical significance like stone circles. The terrain includes gentle paths around water bodies and more undulating routes through woodlands. There are 13 hiking routes available, with 7 classified as easy and 6 as moderate.
Best hiking trails around Drumnamalta
- The most popular hiking route is Lough Fea Walk, a 2.6 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes 1 hourβ¦
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
54
hikers
4.12km
01:03
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
22
hikers
15.9km
04:22
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(9)
29
hikers
5.37km
01:25
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
hikers
10.5km
02:55
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
39
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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An enjoyable 4km walking track leads you around the serene Lough Fea in the eastern Sperrins in Northern Ireland. The scenery is mountainous and panoramic, and the calm waters bring many anglers and are home to a number of fascinating bird species, often seen flitting along the lake. The walk is lovely and flat and features a children's play area, toilets, and plenty of rain shelters in case of unpredictable weather.
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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 MhΓ³r), meaning βbig place of birch treesβ. 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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Here stands the remains of the once magnificent Drum Manor house. The house was built in the 1800s and was bought from the Forest Service in 1964 when it was turned into a park for the public. The park now features a campsite, hiking trails, gardens and a play park.
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Drum Manor Forest Park is made up of beautiful mature deciduous woodland feauturing beech and oak. Winding forest tracks will take you on a lovely route through the area passing ponds, gardens, and a derelict manor house.
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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 available around Drumnamalta?
There are 13 hiking routes available around Drumnamalta, offering a mix of easy and moderate options to explore the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers in Drumnamalta?
Yes, Drumnamalta features 7 easy hiking routes. A great option is the Lough Fea Walk, which is 2.6 miles (4.1 km) long and circles the lough on accessible paths, taking about an hour to complete.
Which hiking trails in Drumnamalta are suitable for families with children?
For families, the easier routes are ideal. The Lough Fea Walk offers gentle, accessible paths around the lough. Another excellent choice is the Drum Manor Forest Park loop, which provides a pleasant walk through woodlands and is generally well-suited for all ages.
Are there any accessible hiking trails for wheelchairs or strollers in Drumnamalta?
The Lough Fea Walk is known for its accessible paths, making it a good option for those with wheelchairs or strollers. It offers a relatively flat and well-maintained surface around the lough.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Drumnamalta?
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Drumnamalta, especially within forest parks like Davagh Forest and Drum Manor Forest Park. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.
What can I see along the hiking trails in Drumnamalta?
Hiking trails in Drumnamalta offer a variety of sights. You can explore historical sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles, enjoy the tranquility of Lough Fea, or wander through the woodlands of Davagh Forest and Drum Manor Forest Park. The Drum Manor House Ruins also offer a glimpse into the region's past.
Are there any circular walks available in Drumnamalta?
Yes, many of the trails in Drumnamalta are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Drum Manor Forest Park loop and the Lough Fea Walk are both excellent examples of circular routes.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Drumnamalta?
Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking in Drumnamalta, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can be picturesque but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Drumnamalta?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-marked paths, and the opportunity to combine nature walks with visits to historical sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles.
Is parking available at the trailheads in Drumnamalta?
Parking is generally available at the main access points for popular hiking areas such as Davagh Forest and Lough Fea. Forest parks typically have designated car parks, though some smaller trailheads might have limited roadside parking.
How can I reach Drumnamalta's hiking trails using public transport?
Public transport options to Drumnamalta and its surrounding hiking areas can be limited, as it is a more rural region. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance, as services may not directly reach all trailheads. Driving is often the most convenient way to access many of the routes.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
While Drumnamalta primarily offers easy to moderate trails, routes like Davagh Forest via Beaghmore Stone Circle β Sperrins provide a longer, more moderate challenge. This 9.9-mile (16.0 km) path includes significant elevation gain and traverses varied forest terrain, taking around 4-5 hours to complete.
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