Best attractions and places to see around Gorticashel Upper are nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, offering a variety of natural features and landmarks. This region provides opportunities for outdoor adventures, with several notable summits and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to forest parks, making it a destination for those seeking scenic viewpoints and hiking routes.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Breathtaking view of the Sperrins after a steady climb.
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Wear waterproof shoes/boots because even on the longest day of the year it's still wet underfoot
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Steep but short stretch. Nice for photography
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Sculpture of a giant made from wood, great fun for the kids, but itβs pretty steep getting up there for little ones.
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Formed from a glacial overflow, Barnes Gap is truly breathtaking. On your way up, don't forget to take in the spectacular views. The gap cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
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Formed from a glacial overflow, Barnes Gap is truly breathtaking. On your way up, don't forget to take in the spectacular views. The gap cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
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Gortin Glen Forest Park is full of good trails and beautiful trees. There is a 5 mile scenic forest drive which is signposted and takes in all of the best views. With waterfalls, resident sika deer and a cafe at the centre of the park it makes an ideal detour from the road.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. It's all downhill from this point on, so you can enjoy a scenic descent back to the carpark.
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The region offers several stunning natural features and viewpoints. You can hike to Mullaghcarn Summit for rewarding vistas of the Sperrin Mountains. Another prominent natural monument is Sawel Mountain Summit, the highest peak in the Sperrins, offering uninterrupted views across County Londonderry and Tyrone. Don't miss Barnes Gap, a breathtaking natural feature formed by a glacial overflow.
Yes, Barnes Gap is a truly unique natural formation. It was created by a glacial overflow and dramatically cuts through the east-west crest line of the southern Sperrin Mountains ridge, offering spectacular views between the hills of Mullaghbane and Mullaghbolig.
The highest peak in the Sperrin Mountains is Sawel Mountain Summit, standing at 678 meters. It is also the eighth highest in Northern Ireland. The summit features montane heathland and provides extensive views across County Londonderry and Tyrone.
Gortin Glen Forest Park features a five-mile scenic forest drive, numerous trails, and beautiful trees. You can discover a waterfall within the park, and it's home to resident sika deer. There is also a cafe at the center of the park.
The area around Gorticashel Upper offers diverse hiking opportunities. You can find trails leading to summits like Mullaghcarn Summit and Sawel Mountain Summit. For a broader selection of routes, explore the Hiking around Gorticashel Upper guide, which includes trails like Mullaghcarn from Glenpark Road and the Vinegar Hill Loop.
Yes, Gorticashel Upper is a great base for mountain biking. You can find trails such as the Gortin Glen Blue & Red Trail Loop and routes from Gortin to Craignamaddy. For more options, check out the MTB Trails around Gorticashel Upper guide.
Absolutely. The region provides several road cycling routes, including challenging loops like the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop. Discover more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Gorticashel Upper guide.
Many of the prominent trails, such as those leading to Mullaghcarn Summit and Sawel Mountain Summit, are rated as intermediate. These often involve significant elevation gain and can be wet underfoot, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Yes, there are. The Waterfall in Gortin Glen Forest Park is part of a family-friendly area with trails and a cafe. Additionally, the Darach the Guardian Sculpture is described as 'great fun for the kids,' though the path to it can be steep for little ones.
When visiting Mullaghcarn Summit, you can park in the Gortin Forest Park and walk to the start of the trail.
While the Sperrin Mountains offer beauty year-round, the warmer months typically provide the best conditions for outdoor activities, allowing for clearer vistas and more comfortable hiking. However, be prepared for potentially wet conditions underfoot even during summer, especially on mountain trails like Sawel Mountain.
Yes, you can discover Darach the Guardian Sculpture, a large wooden sculpture of a giant. It provides a unique point of interest and offers views of the Sperrins after a climb.
Visitors consistently highlight the rewarding and uninterrupted views from the summits. From Mullaghcarn Summit, you'll see expansive vistas of the Sperrin Mountains. From Sawel Mountain Summit, the views stretch across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.


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