The best walks and hikes around Feegarran

Yes, the region has several great options for families. The walk around Lough Fea is particularly suitable, offering a gentle, paved path around the lake with a playground and toilets available. Another excellent choice is the Drum Manor Forest Park loop, which is an easy trail through pleasant woodlands.

Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs, provided they are kept on a lead. The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor is a popular spot for dog walkers, with paths along the river. Forest parks like An Creagan are also good options, but always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock.

The terrain varies across the region. You'll find everything from flat, paved paths around loughs to well-maintained forest tracks and steeper, rockier ascents in the mountains. For example, trails in the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be quite steep with rocky sections, while forest park trails are generally on softer, more even ground.

Yes, circular routes are common. For a moderate circular walk, the Davagh Forest loop — Sperrins offers a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) trail through the forest. Many of the shorter, easier walks in the area's parks and nature reserves are also designed as loops, making for a convenient and enjoyable hike.

For expansive views, the trails within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are highly recommended. The climb up Slieve Gullion rewards hikers with 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The higher elevations in the Sperrin Mountains also provide stunning scenic overlooks on clear days.

Yes, you can combine hiking with history. The area around Davagh Forest is notable for the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, which are accessible from the trails. Exploring these routes allows you to walk through landscapes that have been significant for thousands of years.

Hiking is possible year-round, but the best conditions are typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. The woodlands are particularly beautiful during autumn. Winter hiking can be rewarding, but be prepared for colder, wetter conditions and shorter days.

For any hike, it's essential to wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. The weather can change quickly, so packing waterproof layers is always a good idea. Also bring enough water and some snacks, a fully charged phone, and a map of your route. For longer mountain hikes, navigation tools are recommended.

Most of the established walking areas have dedicated parking. Lough Fea is known for its convenient car parks. Similarly, forest parks like Drum Manor and nature reserves such as Drumnaph have designated parking areas at or near the trailheads. It's always best to arrive earlier on weekends to secure a spot.

While the area is well-known for easy and moderate trails, you can find more challenging options by heading into the Sperrin Mountains or the Ring of Gullion. Routes that involve significant elevation gain, like those ascending Slieve Gallion, offer a more strenuous workout with rewarding views from the summit.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the peaceful lakeside paths at Lough Fea to the ancient woodlands of Drumnaph Nature Reserve. The well-maintained trails and the mix of both gentle and more demanding routes are frequently highlighted as major positives.