The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Drum Manor Forest Park
4.9
(16)
187
hikers
3
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Drum Manor Forest Park are characterized by diverse woodlands, including mature deciduous trees and unique arboretum species. The terrain is generally gentle with low elevation changes, making it accessible for families. Hikers can explore carefully designed pleasure grounds featuring ponds and a wildfowl lake. Historical ruins of Drum Manor House also serve as a key landmark within the park's landscape.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Drum Manor Forest Park
- The most popular family friendlyβ¦
Last updated: October 16, 2026
5.0
(9)
28
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)
15
hikers
4.60km
01:13
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
57
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.
4.5
(2)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. 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 family-friendly hiking trails are available in Drum Manor Forest Park?
Drum Manor Forest Park offers a selection of easy, family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features three dedicated routes within the park itself, perfect for exploring with children. These trails are generally gentle with low elevation changes, making them accessible for all ages.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Drum Manor Forest Park?
The trails in Drum Manor Forest Park primarily wind through diverse woodlands, featuring mature deciduous trees like beech and oak. You'll find well-maintained paths, often with gentle slopes and low elevation changes, making them suitable for families. Some areas might include views of ponds and the wildfowl lake.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families in Drum Manor Forest Park?
Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. For a comprehensive experience, consider the Drum Manor Forest Park loop, which covers over 5 km. A slightly shorter option that still includes key sights is the Drum Manor House Ruins β Drum Manor House Ruins loop from Drum Manor Forest Park.
What interesting landmarks or points of interest can we see along the trails?
Many trails lead past the fascinating ruins of Drum Manor House, an 18th-century demesne, which includes features of a Japanese garden. The park also boasts an arboretum with unique tree species, butterfly gardens, and a children's play park, providing plenty to explore for families.
Is Drum Manor Forest Park suitable for strollers or very young children?
The park's generally gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make many areas suitable for strollers, especially the shorter, easier loops. For a very accessible option, the Drum Manor House Ruins loop from Drum Manor Forest Park is just over 2 km and ideal for families with young children or those using strollers.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails in Drum Manor Forest Park?
Yes, Drum Manor Forest Park is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but please ensure they are kept on a lead and that you clean up after them to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
What is the best time of year to visit Drum Manor Forest Park with family?
The park is beautiful year-round, but it's especially vibrant in spring and autumn. Spring brings colorful shrubbery and blooming gardens, while autumn offers stunning foliage. These seasons often provide pleasant temperatures for hiking with family.
Are there facilities like parking and toilets available at Drum Manor Forest Park?
Yes, Drum Manor Forest Park offers convenient facilities for visitors. There is a large car park available, and toilet facilities are also on-site, making it easy for families to plan their visit.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails here?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil woodland atmosphere, the well-maintained and easy-to-follow paths, and the engaging points of interest like the Drum Manor House ruins, making it a perfect family outing.
Are there any other easy walks near Drum Manor Forest Park that are good for families?
Beyond the immediate park, the Lough Fea Walk offers another easy, family-friendly option. It's a pleasant 4 km route with minimal elevation, providing a different scenic experience nearby.
What kind of wildlife might we spot while hiking with kids?
Drum Manor Forest Park is home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species around the wildfowl lake and in the woodlands. You might also spot squirrels, and if you're lucky, other small mammals. The butterfly gardens are particularly good for insect spotting in warmer months.
Most popular routes around Drum Manor Forest Park
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