The best walks and hikes around Leitrim

Leitrim offers a diverse range of natural beauty. You'll encounter rolling hills, serene lakes such as Lough Allen and Glencar Lough, and tranquil waterways like the River Shannon. The region is also rich in lush forests, including Glenfarne Wood, and features captivating waterfalls like Glencar Waterfall and Fowley's Falls. For more challenging hikes, you can explore mountainous areas like Sliabh an Iarainn and the Dartry Mountains.

Yes, Leitrim is home to several impressive waterfalls. The most famous is Glencar Waterfall, which inspired W.B. Yeats. Other notable cascades include Fowley's Falls, Pól an Eas Waterfall, and the dramatic Devil's Chimney Waterfall, known for its unique effect during high winds. You might also discover Scardan Waterfall on some trails.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Leitrim Way is a long-distance trail spanning 56 to 62 kilometers, traversing the county from Manorhamilton to Leitrim village. Another option is The Miner's Way, a 62 km route that winds through Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon, with sections in Leitrim offering accessible paths and showcasing the area's mining heritage.

Leitrim offers many easy and family-friendly options. The Shannon Blueway is particularly suitable, with flat, accessible paths along the Lough Allen Canal and the Shannon River, featuring attractions like the floating Acres Lake Boardwalk. There are also numerous shorter loop walks, such as the Keeldra Lake Trail and the Tullylachen Loop, which provide easy to moderate options through scenic settings.

The hiking routes in Leitrim are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse and unspoiled natural beauty, from serene lakes to lush forests, and appreciate the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.

Yes, Leitrim provides a wide selection of shorter circular loop walks. Examples include the Battlebridge - Drumleague Lock Loop, the Keeldra Lake Trail, and the Tullylachen Loop, which offer convenient and scenic options for a day out.

For more demanding climbs, the Sliabh an Iarainn Mountain Trail offers panoramic views of Lough Allen and the surrounding countryside, navigating through forests and open moorland. The Dartry Mountains also present opportunities for more rugged ascents.

Leitrim is characterized by serene lakes and tranquil waterways. The majestic Lough Allen is a prominent feature, along with Glencar Lough, Glenade Lake, Lough MacNean, Keeldra Lake, and Mahanagh Lough. The River Shannon itself, and the Shannon Blueway, provide extensive opportunities for waterside walks and exploration.

For more details on attractions and places to go in the region, you can visit the official Leitrim Tourism website at leitrimtourism.com. They also have a section on treasured landscapes.

Beyond the lakes and waterfalls, you can encounter significant natural features like Sliabh an Iarainn, known as the 'Mountain of Iron', and parts of the Dartry Mountains which host iconic landmarks like Hag's Leap. Corry Mountain is another feature you might find on trails like the Miner's Way.