Attractions and Places To See around Glengomna - Top 12

The Glengomna area, situated near the Sperrin Mountains, offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit mountain summits like Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit, which provides views across the Sperrins and Lough Neagh, or Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins. Additionally, tranquil reservoirs and lakes such as Altnaheglish Reservoir, located within the ancient oak woodlands of Banagher Forest, and Lough Fea, with its scenic walking track, are popular spots.

Yes, the region is home to significant ancient historical sites. A must-see is Beaghmore Stone Circles, a complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features dating back to 2900 - 2600 BC. This site includes seven low stone circles, twelve cairns, and ten stone rows, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals and astronomy.

The Glengomna area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling, with options for both touring and road biking. There are also numerous running trails available. For detailed routes and guides, you can explore the Cycling around Glengomna, Road Cycling Routes around Glengomna, and Running Trails around Glengomna guides.

Absolutely! Several attractions are suitable for families. Beaghmore Stone Circles is a fascinating historical site that can engage all ages. For nature lovers, Altnaheglish Reservoir and Lough Fea offer serene environments for walks, with Lough Fea even featuring a children's play area and rain shelters.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the mountain summits. Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit offers sensational views across the Sperrins mountain range and Lough Neagh. Similarly, from Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.

Yes, Lough Fea offers an enjoyable 4km walking track that is lovely and flat, making it suitable for various abilities. It also includes amenities like toilets and rain shelters.

Given the region's weather, especially in the mountains, it's advisable to wear waterproof shoes or boots, as conditions can be wet underfoot even during drier seasons. Layered clothing is also recommended to adapt to changing temperatures.

Yes, the Sperrin Mountains offer challenging terrain. Ascending summits like Sawel Mountain Summit involves significant climbs. Some cycling routes in the area are also rated as 'difficult', such as the Banagher Dam – Altnaheglish Reservoir loop or the Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop, providing strenuous options for experienced adventurers.

The Sperrin Mountains, which border Glengomna, are known for their dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. They are home to montane heathland vegetation, featuring plants like heather, bilberries, and cowberries. The mountains also provide the backdrop for many of the region's natural and historical attractions, including its highest peaks and ancient sites.

When visiting Beaghmore Stone Circles, remember that it's an ancient site where 1269 stones were discovered under peat. The stones are relatively small, mostly under 0.5m in height, and the circles are distorted, suggesting their connection to earlier burial cairns. It's a place to reflect on the people who observed the same sky, sun, moon, and stars thousands of years ago.

The highest point in the Sperrins range is Sawel Mountain Summit, standing at 678m. It offers extensive views across County Londonderry and Tyrone and is a popular destination for hikers.

Around tranquil spots like Lough Fea, you can often spot various fascinating bird species flitting along the lake. The Banagher Forest, home to Altnaheglish Reservoir, is also known for its ancient oak woodlands, which support diverse flora and fauna.