The best walks and hikes around Drumrot

Yes, the region offers some great options for families. The Drum Manor Forest Park loop is an excellent choice. It's a relatively short and flat walk through pleasant woodlands, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

There are several circular routes available. For a moderate challenge with rewarding views, consider the Slieve Gallion NE top loop via Iniscarn Forest — Ring of Gullion. This trail takes you through the forest and up to the slopes of Slieve Gallion before returning to your starting point.

Many trails in the area, particularly in forest parks, are suitable for walking with dogs. However, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially on hillsides like Slieve Gallion where livestock may be grazing and in areas with sensitive wildlife. Always check local signage at trailheads for specific rules.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find well-maintained forest paths in places like Iniscarn Forest, open hillside tracks on the slopes of the Sperrin Mountains, and some rougher, boggy sections on higher ground. Proper hiking footwear is recommended for most routes.

For expansive views, the trails ascending Slieve Gallion are your best bet. The Slieve Gallion Walk — Sperrins is a longer hike that rewards you with panoramic vistas over the surrounding landscape from the mountain's summit.

Yes, for those seeking a full day of hiking, the Slieve Gallion Memorial Path and Lough Fea — Sperrins is a demanding route of over 20 miles (33 km). It combines a significant ascent with a walk around the scenic Lough Fea.

The routes in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of peaceful forest walks and challenging hill climbs, as well as the beautiful scenery from the peaks.

Iniscarn Forest is an excellent destination for a woodland hike. The Slieve Gallion NE Top via Iniscarn Forest trail offers a lovely walk through the trees before ascending onto the open hillside, giving you a mix of environments.

For any hike, you should bring water, snacks, and a fully charged phone. Given the changeable weather and varied terrain, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential. For longer routes in the Sperrins, a map and compass are also highly recommended.

The difficulty ranges from easy to difficult. There are gentle, flat loops suitable for beginners and families, as well as moderate and challenging mountain hikes with significant elevation gain that require a good level of fitness.

The trailheads are mostly located in rural or parkland settings. You will typically need to drive to nearby towns and villages to find pubs and cafes. It's best to plan ahead and check the amenities in the closest settlements to your chosen route.

Most of the main trailheads, such as those for Drum Manor Forest Park and routes starting in Iniscarn Forest, have designated parking areas. However, for some of the more remote hill walks, parking may be limited to small lay-bys on the roadside, so it's wise to arrive early.