Slieve Gallion and Lough Fea Loop

This is a difficult hike, combining the challenging ascent of Slieve Gallion with the gentler Lough Fea loop. It requires very good fitness, stamina, and sure-footedness, especially on the mountain sections.

The full loop is approximately 33.4 km (20.7 miles) and typically takes around 9 to 10 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops. It's a full-day excursion.

The terrain is highly varied. You'll experience well-maintained, level gravel paths around Lough Fea, but also coniferous forest paths, open moorland, and wetland areas on Slieve Gallion. Mountain ascents feature uneven, steep, and sometimes rocky ground due to water runoff.

You'll encounter diverse scenery and notable spots. Highlights include the serene waters of Lough Fea, offering tranquil lake views. On Slieve Gallion, you'll reach the Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit, which provides expansive and commanding views from View from Slieve Gallion across the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, and potentially the Mourne Mountains on a clear day.

The full combined loop is not suitable for beginners or young children due to its length, significant elevation gain, and difficult terrain on Slieve Gallion. However, the Lough Fea loop section itself is easy, flat, and family-friendly, with facilities like a play area and toilets.

While a specific combined trailhead isn't formally designated, you would typically look for parking near Lough Fea or at access points for Slieve Gallion, such as near Iniscarn Forest. It's advisable to research specific starting points for the Slieve Gallion Memorial Path or Lough Fea loop to plan your parking.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, dogs should be kept on a lead, especially around Lough Fea where there are other walkers and wildlife, and on the open moorland of Slieve Gallion to protect livestock and ground-nesting birds.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Slieve Gallion and Lough Fea Loop. The area is part of the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is freely accessible to the public.

The trail can be enjoyed in various seasons, but autumn is particularly beautiful around Lough Fea with its vibrant foliage. For the more challenging Slieve Gallion sections, spring and summer offer more predictable weather and longer daylight hours. Always check weather conditions before you go, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

Yes, facilities are available specifically around Lough Fea. You'll find benches for rest, a children's play area, toilets, and rain shelters. However, there are no such facilities on the more remote Slieve Gallion sections of the hike.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other paths. You will walk along parts of the Lough Fea trail, through Iniscarn Forest, and intersect with sections of the Sperrins Route 8 - Slieve Gallion Cycle Route and Sperrins Route 5 - Lough Fea Cycle Route.