4.5
(12)
238
hikers
17
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Outleckan, located within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer diverse landscapes for outdoor exploration. The region is characterized by its unique geological formations, including Slieve Gullion, an extinct volcano, and tranquil bodies of water like Camlough Lake. Hikers can expect a mix of gentle paths through woodlands and routes leading to historical sites, providing varied terrain suitable for easy excursions.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
3
hikers
4.32km
01:10
60m
60m
This easy 2.7-mile loop around Bessbrook Pond offers a pleasant hike past the Bessbrook War Memorial and through a historic village.
5.0
(1)
45
hikers
2.76km
01:03
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(2)
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
4.35km
01:11
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.11km
01:23
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Here, too, passersby encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town. Everywhere in the villages and towns, victims were mourned during the terrible wars (especially, but not only, in the first half of the last century) – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their fatherland far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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Here, too, hikers and walkers will encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town, as throughout the villages and towns, victims of the terrible wars (especially in the first half of the last century) were mourned – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their country far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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Cycling through the Ring of Gullion, you'll always come across places where you just have to stop. The views up here are special - not spectacular in the usual sense, but rather calming and expansive. I took a short break and let my gaze wander over the wide valley. From the heights you can see the green landscape of Northern Ireland stretching gently into the distance. The quiet hills and scattered farms seem peaceful and remind you that sometimes it's the simple things that make a place special. With the trailer for the kids, it was nice to take a quick breather and enjoy the little break. The routes here offer enough variety so that you can really pedal and then roll comfortably again. Sometimes the wind is a bit stronger, but that's part of it if you want to experience nature to the fullest. A little tip: the viewpoints aren't always immediately visible, but if you have a good feeling for beautiful places, you'll find them all by yourself. A short stop and the moment is yours – and of course the vast landscape that lies at your feet
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The war memorial in Bessbrook stands silently yet full of meaning in the heart of the village. The white obelisk bears the names of almost ninety people who gave their lives in the Second World War - a sign of remembrance and remembrance of those who once lived here and defended their homeland. As you walk past, you can read the inscriptions that tell the stories of those who fell. The square around the memorial is simple, but that is precisely what draws the focus to the message of remembrance and the silent commemoration of the past. The surrounding houses seem to carry the history of the place and you can almost feel how yesterday and today are connected here. A place that makes you pause and reminds you of how important it is to preserve history.
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As soon as you cross the gentle ridge of Slieve Gullion, the North Cairn stretches out before you - a slightly smaller hill than its southern neighbour, but no less impressive. The stones that gather here seem like silent sentinels, witnesses of the distant Bronze Age. Two ancient stone boxes were once found here during excavations, which lay hidden in the depths of history. The North Cairn, with its diameter of around 18 metres, invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy the peace. But it is not just the Cairn that is fascinating. Right next to it lies "Calliagh Beara's Lough", a quiet mountain lake that, according to legend, is the home of the witch Beara. On a clear day, the sky is reflected in the calm waters and you can almost feel the ancient magic of this place coming to life. The road here may be rocky, but the landscape rewards with sweeping views and a touch of mysticism that makes Slieve Gullion something special.
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Enjoy the many view points to stop and take in the landscape
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This War Memorial in Bessbrook is dedicated to the 86 individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War. It is a 17-foot (5.75 meters) tall obelisk.
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Outleckan, nestled within the Ring of Gullion, offers 11 easy hiking trails. These routes provide diverse landscapes suitable for relaxed outdoor exploration.
Yes, the region features family-friendly options. The Giant's Lair, for instance, offers an interactive experience telling the story of Finn McCool, making it engaging for children.
Many trails in the Outleckan area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route details for any restrictions, especially around livestock or protected areas. Always keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them.
Yes, several easy circular walks are available. A popular choice is the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond, which is a gentle 2.7-mile (4.3 km) path perfect for a relaxed outing.
Easy hikes in Outleckan offer a mix of landscapes. You can expect paths through ancient woodlands, views of tranquil loughs like Camlough Lake, and glimpses of the unique geological formations of the Ring of Gullion, including the extinct volcano Slieve Gullion.
The area is rich in history. On some easy trails, you can encounter sites like the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, which has revealed Bronze Age stone boxes. The summit of Slieve Gullion also hosts the highest passage tomb in the British Isles, offering historical intrigue.
Yes, you can find easy trails that feature beautiful water bodies. The Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond is a prime example, offering a pleasant walk around Bessbrook Pond. Another option is the Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop, which provides views of Calliagh Beara Lough.
The easy trails in Outleckan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 12 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain and the serene natural beauty of the Ring of Gullion.
Parking is generally available at trailheads or designated car parks for many routes in the Outleckan area. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages or local signage.
The Outleckan area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for easy hikes with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though some paths may be muddy.
Yes, many of the easy trails in Outleckan are suitable for winter walks, provided conditions are safe. Routes like the Ballymoyer Woodland loop from Whitecross can offer a peaceful experience through the woodlands, though appropriate footwear for potentially muddy or icy conditions is recommended.
For easy hikes in Outleckan, comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots are recommended. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather, and bring a waterproof jacket, as conditions can be unpredictable in the region.
Yes, several easy trails provide views of Slieve Gullion. The Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop offers excellent vistas of the surrounding Ring of Gullion landscape, including the iconic extinct volcano.


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