The best walks and hikes around Derry

Several spots are highly regarded by locals.

Ness Country Park is a favorite, known for its riverside and woodland walks leading to the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland. For a mix of forest and mountain scenery, Learmount Forest at the foot of the Sperrins is a great choice. Banagher Glen Forest Park offers a more challenging walk with steep inclines leading up to a large dam, providing a rewarding experience. For a unique landscape, the trails at Davagh Forest are very popular, especially with the addition of the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory.

Yes, Derry has many options for easier walks suitable for families. A great choice is the Castle Ward Shore Trail — Strangford & Lecale, a relatively flat 4.7 km (2.9 mi) walk along the coast. Additionally, many of the region's country parks, like Ness Country Park and Burntollet Wood, offer well-maintained paths that are perfect for a family day out.

For a waterfall walk, Ness Country Park is the premier destination. It's located in the Burntollet River glen and features the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland. The park has over 7 km of trails that follow the river through the woods, making the waterfall the main highlight of your hike.

Many parks and trails in the Derry area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. Places like Ness Country Park and the Sperrin Mountains generally welcome dogs, provided they are kept on a lead, especially near livestock. It's always best to check for local signage at the trailhead before starting your walk, as some areas may have specific restrictions to protect wildlife or farmland.

The Sperrin Mountains are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offering a wilder, more rugged hiking experience. The terrain consists of rolling hills, open moorland, and quiet valleys. You can expect fewer waymarked paths and more challenging navigation compared to the local forest parks. Hikes here, such as the ascent up Sawel Mountain, reward you with panoramic views across the countryside.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. The Castle Ward & Audley's Castle loop — Strangford is a popular moderate loop of about 7.7 km (4.8 mi) that combines woodland paths with shoreline sections. For a longer option, Banagher Forest offers an eight-mile circular route on a mix of surfaced and forest tracks.

Hiking at Binevenagh, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is defined by its dramatic cliffs and stunning views. Trails lead you through Binevenagh Forest and up to the cliff edge, where you get breathtaking panoramic views over Lough Foyle, Magilligan Point, and across to County Donegal. The terrain includes forest tracks and open heathland, and it's a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

Absolutely. For a unique urban hike, you can walk the complete 1.5 km circuit of the 17th-century City Walls. This walk offers fantastic views of the historic city, the River Foyle, and the surrounding neighborhoods. You can also enjoy walks through St. Columb's Park and across the Peace Bridge for a mix of green space and riverside scenery.

For any hike in the region, it's essential to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as trails can be muddy. The weather can change quickly, so packing waterproof trousers and a jacket is a must, even on a clear day. For longer routes, especially in the Sperrins, bring a map, compass or GPS device, plenty of water, and snacks. On sunny days, sun protection is also important.

The region offers fantastic coastal hiking. The Kearney coastal walk — Strangford & Lecale is a beautiful and easy 5.6 km (3.5 mi) trail with minimal elevation. For more dramatic scenery, the paths around Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne provide stunning clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The hiking routes around Derry are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful riverside paths in the country parks to the expansive views from the coastal cliffs and mountain peaks.