The best walks and hikes around Moorlough

Moorlough is nestled within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by a distinctive glacial landscape with hummocky terrain and extensive peat bogs. You'll find an upland lake, Moor Lough itself, and wild, untouched scenery offering fantastic views across the Sperrins.

Yes, the area is well-suited for easy walks. A significant feature is the accessible gravel track that circumnavigates Moor Lough, which is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) long. All routes currently listed in this guide, such as Crom Estate Trail, are rated as easy, making them ideal for various fitness levels.

While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendly rules for each trail, generally, the natural areas around Moorlough, including the gravel track around the lough, are suitable for dogs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to clean up after them.

Hikers in Moorlough particularly enjoy routes that offer views of the lough and surrounding natural features. Trails like Crom Castle Boathouse – Old Crom Castle Ruins loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins) are popular for their scenic beauty and gentle elevation changes.

Yes, many of the trails around Moorlough are designed as loops, offering circular walking experiences. For example, the Old Crom Castle Ruins – Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins) provides a circular path through the estate.

The area around Moorlough is noted for its dragonflies, adding to the natural allure. Being within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can expect to see various bird species and other local fauna typical of bogland and upland lake environments.

Moor Lough itself is a key attraction, known for its beaches, a segregated paddling area, and as a fishery stocked with trout. The broader Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers expansive, wild landscapes to explore. While not directly on Moorlough, routes like the Whiskered Bat Nature Trail – Killyfole Lough loop from Aghadrumsee lead through varied natural landscapes.

The best time to hike around Moorlough is generally during the drier and milder months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This allows for more comfortable conditions on the trails, especially given the peat bog areas, and better visibility for enjoying the scenic views across the Sperrins.

Specific public transport routes directly to Moorlough can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services like Translink or TFI Local Link for routes to nearby towns such as Strabane or Glenmornan, and then plan for onward travel to Moorlough, which may require a taxi or a longer walk.

While specific parking facilities are not detailed in the guide, areas popular for hiking, especially around the lough, typically have designated parking spots or roadside parking available. It's recommended to look for official car parks or safe, legal parking areas near the start of your chosen trail.

The routes in Moorlough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, the serene environment, and the picturesque views of the lough and the surrounding glacial landscape.

Generally, permits are not required for hiking on public access trails around Moorlough or within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, if you plan to access private land or specific managed estates, it's always best to check for any local regulations or requirements beforehand.