The best walks and hikes around Kilculmagrandal

Yes, the area offers several easier walks perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle — Sperrins, which is a short, mostly flat path of about 2.8 km. Another good choice is the Ness Country Park loop from Claudy, a gentle 3.6 km trail.

The trails around Kilculmagrandal are quite varied. You'll typically encounter established forest paths through the wooded glens of the Sperrin Mountains. Many routes follow rivers and feature rolling hills with moderate elevation gain, but there are also flatter country park trails available.

While many of the forest and park trails in the region are suitable for walking with a dog, it's important to check local signage at trailheads. Always keep your dog under control, especially near farmland, and be prepared to keep them on a lead.

Yes, there are several loop trails. For a moderate circular hike, consider the Loughermore loop from Gortnahey. This 10.5 km route offers a complete circuit with some rewarding ascents.

The hikes range from easy to moderate. There are four designated easy trails, which are generally shorter and flatter, and four moderate trails that involve more distance and elevation gain, like the 13.3 km Banagher Glen Forest Trail — Sperrins. There are currently no routes rated as difficult.

Most of the established trailheads, such as those for Ness Country Park and Learmount Forest, have dedicated parking areas. For routes starting in or near villages like Claudy, you may need to use public street parking. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.

The routes in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful woodland scenery and the mix of gentle river walks and more challenging ascents in the Sperrin Mountains.

The nearby village of Claudy is your best bet for finding pubs and cafes to relax in after your hike. You'll find several options for a meal or a drink there, conveniently located near the start of several local trails.

For any hike here, you should wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. The weather can change quickly, so waterproof clothing is essential. Also, be sure to bring enough water, some snacks, and a fully charged phone with the komoot app for navigation.

There are 8 curated hiking routes available in this guide, evenly split between easy and moderate difficulty levels. The wider Sperrin Mountains area offers an extensive network of additional trails to explore.

Accessing trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging in this rural area. Some routes starting near Claudy may be accessible via regional bus services, but services can be infrequent. Driving is generally the most reliable way to reach the start of most hikes.