The best walks and hikes around Drumard

There are over a dozen hiking trails around Drumard listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences from gentle lough-side strolls to more challenging hill ascents.

Drumard offers a range of trails suitable for different abilities. You'll find 5 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for casual walkers and more experienced hikers alike.

Yes, Drumard has several family-friendly options. The Lough Fea Walk is an easy 2.6-mile (4.1 km) trail perfect for a pleasant stroll with children. The Drum Manor Forest Park loop is another easy option, offering a 3.3-mile (5.4 km) walk through managed woodland.

Yes, several routes in Drumard are circular. The Drum Manor Forest Park loop is a popular circular trail. Additionally, the Slieve Gallion NE top loop via Iniscarn Forest offers a longer, moderate circular hike.

Hiking in Drumard offers diverse scenic viewpoints. You can enjoy tranquil lakeside views along Lough Fea, or ascend to the Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Forest trails, like those in Drum Manor Forest Park, provide picturesque woodland scenery.

Beyond the trails themselves, you can explore historical sites like the Drum Manor House Ruins within Drum Manor Forest Park, or visit Tullyhogue Fort, a significant ancient site. The natural beauty of Lough Fea is also a highlight.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in Drumard, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from peaceful forest paths and serene lough-side walks to rewarding ascents with great views, highlighting the well-maintained routes and natural beauty of the area.

Many trails in Drumard, particularly those through forest parks and open countryside, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in areas with wildlife, and to check specific park regulations before your visit.

Spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for hiking in Drumard, with longer daylight hours and blooming flora. Autumn provides beautiful fall colours in the forest parks. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, shorter days, and potentially muddy or icy conditions on higher ground.

Public transport to specific trailheads in rural areas like Drumard can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance, as services might be infrequent. Many hikers find it more convenient to travel by car to access the starting points of trails.

Parking is typically available at popular trailheads and forest parks, such as Drum Manor Forest Park and near Lough Fea. For routes accessing hills like Slieve Gallion, look for designated parking areas or safe roadside parking near the start of the trails. Always park responsibly and considerately.

For hiking in Drumard, it's wise to pack layers of clothing suitable for changeable weather, waterproofs, sturdy hiking boots, and sufficient water and snacks. A map or GPS device (like komoot) is recommended, especially for longer or less-marked trails. Don't forget sun protection and a first-aid kit.