4.7
(9)
113
hikers
11
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ballygan Upper are characterized by pleasant natural surroundings, including the scenic River Bann and the forested areas of Somerset Forest. The region also features historical landmarks like Mountsandel Fort, a prehistoric site overlooking the river. The terrain generally consists of well-defined paths with gentle elevation changes, making routes accessible for various fitness levels.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(2)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
26
hikers
4.00km
01:03
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
12
hikers
3.23km
00:52
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.93km
00:45
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
5.32km
01:25
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Mountsandel Fort is a prehistoric fort dating to the Mesolithic period that was reused in the Irish Middle Ages (10th to 11th centuries). Located in Coleraine, County Derry, the fort consists of a huge grassy mound hollowed out in the middle, overlooking the River Bann. A must-see for lovers of mysterious monuments!
1
0
In a very nice little square, with benches and many shops in the pedestrian area.
1
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You can walk along a well defined forest path from the small car park near Coleraine Courthouse and from the Fort, you can see great views of the Salmon Leap (Weir) and Coleraine.
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Ballygan Upper offers 10 easy hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for relaxed walks and gentle exploration. These routes are generally well-defined and suitable for various fitness levels.
Easy hikes in Ballygan Upper feature pleasant natural surroundings, including picturesque views of the River Bann and the tranquil forested areas of Somerset Forest. You'll also encounter historical landmarks like Mountsandel Fort, which overlooks the river.
Yes, many of the easy trails in Ballygan Upper are circular. For example, you can enjoy the Mountsandel Fort β View of the River Bann loop from Causeway Hospital, which offers scenic river views and historical interest.
The most notable historical site is Mountsandel Fort, a prehistoric fort dating back to the Mesolithic period. It's a large grassy mound overlooking the River Bann. You can explore this area on routes like the Mountsandel Fort β View of the River Bann loop from Causeway Hospital.
Yes, the easy trails in Ballygan Upper are generally well-defined and have gentle elevation changes, making them suitable for families and walkers of all fitness levels. Somerset Forest, in particular, offers shaded paths that are great for a family outing.
Easy walks in Ballygan Upper typically range from 2.9 km to 4.5 km in distance. Most can be completed within 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, offering a perfect duration for a leisurely outing.
The easy trails in Ballygan Upper are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 9 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, scenic river views, and the blend of natural beauty with historical interest.
Yes, Somerset Forest is a prominent natural feature in the area, offering shaded paths and a diverse environment. You can enjoy a pleasant walk on the Somerset Forest loop from Causeway Hospital, which takes about 52 minutes to complete.
Many routes, such as the Mountsandel Fort β View of the River Bann loop, start from locations like Causeway Hospital, which typically offers parking facilities. For routes starting from Coleraine, local parking options would be available.
The area around Ballygan Upper is characterized by pleasant natural surroundings, making it enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. The well-defined paths make many trails accessible even in milder winter conditions.
While specific regulations for each trail may vary, easy and accessible trails like those found in Ballygan Upper are often dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a lead. It's always recommended to check local signage for any specific restrictions in areas like Somerset Forest or Mountsandel Fort.
Absolutely. The River Bann is a central feature of the landscape. The Mountsandel Fort β View of the River Bann loop from Causeway Hospital is an excellent choice for enjoying picturesque river views, including the Salmon Leap (Weir) and the town of Coleraine.


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