The best walks and hikes around Drumnabey

Yes, the Lough Catherine loop from Newtownstewart is a great choice for a family outing. It's a relatively short and flat walk of about 5.5 km, making it accessible for most ages and abilities.

While many trails in the wider Mid Ulster area are suitable for dogs, it's important to check local signage for specific rules, especially regarding livestock. In forest parks and on open moorland like the Sperrins, dogs should generally be kept on a lead to protect wildlife and farm animals.

The terrain around Drumnabey varies from forest paths to open, boggy moorland. Trails like the Tullnashane River Trail can be very wet underfoot. It is essential to wear waterproof hiking boots. Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended year-round as the weather in the Sperrin Mountains can change quickly.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops so you can start and end in the same place. For a shorter, easier circuit, consider the Bessy Bell Trig Point loop from Newtownstewart, which is just over 6 km.

For expansive views over the surrounding countryside, the hike to the Bessy Bell trig point is an excellent option. The Bessy Bell Trig Point – Beltany Lane loop is a moderate 13 km route that rewards you with panoramic perspectives from the summit.

The nearby Sperrin Mountains offer more demanding treks. While not starting in Drumnabey itself, you can find challenging ascents like Slieve Gallion. This prominent volcanic plug provides a strenuous climb with rewarding views from its flat-topped summit.

The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the mix of quiet forest paths and open hillside trails that provide a sense of escaping into the wild, untouched landscape of the Sperrins.

Most trailheads in this rural region are best accessed by car. Parking is often available in small, informal lay-bys or designated car parks for forest parks like Davagh or Drum Manor. It's advisable to plan your route in advance as public transport options to remote trailheads are limited.

While the immediate routes in this guide don't feature major waterfalls, the wider Sperrins region does. A notable example is the Carntogher Way, which includes a visit to the scenic Altkeeran Waterfall, offering a rewarding sight after a good walk.

The varied habitats, from the moorlands of the Sperrins to the shores of Lough Neagh, support a rich array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for Irish hares and red grouse on the mountains, red squirrels in the forests, and a variety of birdlife, including whooper swans and tufted ducks, near the loughs.

Yes, there are several shorter options. The Pullyernan Road loop from Killygordon is an easy walk of under 5 km, perfect for when you have less time but still want to get outdoors.