Easy hikes and walks around Glasdrummond
3.6
(9)
242
hikers
35
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Glasdrummond are primarily found within the eastern Mourne Mountains region of Northern Ireland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape features granite formations, mountain loughs, and rolling green hills, with some forest paths. Trails often follow river courses or offer views of the surrounding countryside.
Best easy hiking trails around Glasdrummond
- The most popular easy hiking route is Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond, a 2.7 miles (4.3 km) trail that…
Last updated: October 17, 2026
3
hikers
4.32km
01:10
60m
60m
This easy 2.7-mile loop around Bessbrook Pond offers a pleasant hike past the Bessbrook War Memorial and through a historic village.
5
hikers
3.34km
00:51
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.78km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
5.15km
01:24
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
3.38km
00:51
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
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Here, too, passersby encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town. Everywhere in the villages and towns, victims were mourned during the terrible wars (especially, but not only, in the first half of the last century) – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their fatherland far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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Here, too, hikers and walkers will encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town, as throughout the villages and towns, victims of the terrible wars (especially in the first half of the last century) were mourned – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their country far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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There is something enchanted about this old, dilapidated stone hut - as if it were whispering stories of times gone by, when the canal was still full of life and the lock keepers worked here day and night. The walls, overgrown with greenery and moss, show how nature is slowly reclaiming its place. The building itself is only a ruin, but that is precisely what makes it somehow interesting. The mixture of broken brickwork and wild growth has something melancholic about it that fits perfectly into the tranquility of the surroundings. Right next to it there is a small rest area with a bench - ideal for stopping for a moment and taking in the atmosphere.
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The war memorial in Bessbrook stands silently yet full of meaning in the heart of the village. The white obelisk bears the names of almost ninety people who gave their lives in the Second World War - a sign of remembrance and remembrance of those who once lived here and defended their homeland. As you walk past, you can read the inscriptions that tell the stories of those who fell. The square around the memorial is simple, but that is precisely what draws the focus to the message of remembrance and the silent commemoration of the past. The surrounding houses seem to carry the history of the place and you can almost feel how yesterday and today are connected here. A place that makes you pause and reminds you of how important it is to preserve history.
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This War Memorial in Bessbrook is dedicated to the 86 individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War. It is a 17-foot (5.75 meters) tall obelisk.
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This obelisk-shaped War Memorial was erected in memory of nearly ninety individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War.
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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Glasdrummond?
Glasdrummond offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 20 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 35 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Are there any family-friendly easy walks in Glasdrummond?
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For instance, the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond is a gentle 4.3 km loop with minimal elevation, perfect for a family outing. Another great option is the Newry River loop from Newry, which offers flat terrain and riverside views.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Glasdrummond?
Many easy trails in the Glasdrummond area are dog-friendly, especially those that follow river paths or woodland routes. Always keep your dog under control, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves. The Newry River loop from Newry is a popular choice for dog walkers.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes around Glasdrummond?
Easy hikes around Glasdrummond showcase the diverse beauty of the eastern Mourne Mountains region. You'll find trails along river courses, through rolling green hills, and past granite formations. Some routes offer views of picturesque mountain loughs and forest paths. The Camlough Mountain Summit – Summit of Ring of Gullion loop from Corrinshigo, for example, provides views across the Ring of Gullion.
Are there any circular easy hiking routes in the area?
Yes, several easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A prime example is the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond, which is a popular 4.3 km loop. Another option is the Newry River loop from Newry.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features to see along the easy trails?
While hiking easy trails, you can encounter several notable features. The Bessbrook War Memorial loop circles the scenic Bessbrook Pond. The region also features impressive natural monuments like Slieve Gullion Summit and Flagstaff Viewpoint, which can be seen from some trails or accessed via nearby routes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Glasdrummond?
The easy trails in Glasdrummond are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful riverside walks, and the accessibility of routes that offer beautiful views without significant elevation gain. The variety of scenery, from tranquil ponds to rolling hills, is also a common highlight.
Are there easy hikes accessible by public transport in Glasdrummond?
While many trails are best accessed by car, some routes, particularly those starting from towns like Newry, may be reachable via local bus services. For example, the Newry River loop from Newry begins directly from the town, which has public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific starting points.
Are there easy hikes with parking available?
Yes, most of the popular easy hiking trails in Glasdrummond have designated parking areas nearby. Routes like the Bessbrook War Memorial loop and the Camlough Mountain Summit loop typically have convenient parking options at their starting points.
What is the best season for easy hikes around Glasdrummond?
The Glasdrummond area is enjoyable for easy hikes throughout much of the year. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is generally pleasant, though trails can be busier. Winter walks are possible, but conditions can be wet or muddy, so appropriate footwear is essential. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any easy walks that pass by a lake or lough?
Yes, several easy walks offer views of or pass by local loughs and ponds. The Bessbrook War Memorial loop circles the tranquil Bessbrook Pond. While not directly on an easy trail, the prominent Camlough Lake is a significant feature in the region, and some routes offer distant views.
How long do easy hikes in Glasdrummond typically take?
Easy hikes in Glasdrummond vary in length and duration. Many popular easy routes, such as the Bessbrook War Memorial loop (4.3 km), can be completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes. Shorter options are also available, while slightly longer easy trails like the Camlough Mountain Summit loop (5.7 km) might take around 1 hour 45 minutes.
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