The best walks and hikes around Feeny
3.8
(15)
124
hikers
9
hikes
Hikes near Feeny Northern Ireland are set within the Sperrin Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape is defined by rolling hills, steep-sided glens, and ancient woodlands like Banagher Glen. Trails in the area range from accessible forest paths to more challenging ascents up the region's peaks, offering varied terrain for hikers.
Best hiking trails around Feeny
- The most popular hiking route is Banagher Glen Forest Trail — Sperrins, a 8.2 mile (13.3 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to complete. The route follows a path through one of Ireland's oldest oak woodlands toward the Banagher Dam.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Sawel Mountain — Sperrins, a moderate 2.8 mile (4.6 km) path. This route involves a direct ascent to the highest peak in the Sperrin Mountains.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle — Sperrins, a 1.7 mile (2.8 km) trail leading through Learmount Forest, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Feeny is defined by ancient woodlands, quiet valleys, and the open, rolling terrain of the Sperrin Mountains. The network of trails provides options for different fitness levels, from easy forest walks to moderate mountain hikes.
- The routes in Feeny are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Feeny's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.6
(9)
57
hikers
13.3km
03:45
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
35
hikers
4.56km
01:43
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
10
hikers
8.51km
03:02
500m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
2.82km
00:45
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
13.9km
03:53
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Feeny
Tips from the Community
Wear waterproof shoes/boots because even on the longest day of the year it's still wet underfoot
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Enjoy some peace and serenity as you jog along the shores of the beautiful and calm Altnaheglish Reservoir, situated in the Sperring Area of Natural Beauty. The reservoir is located in the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland. It's a true place of beauty!
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Learmount Wood is located at the foothills of the northern face of the Sperrins in Northern Ireland. The forest features a wonderful diversity of tree species, including some that have been there for over 100 years. It's a beautiful place for a stroll, featuring a stream and an abandoned mansion dating back to the 1830s.
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry Barré Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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Banagher Forest is a large coniferous woodland featuring beautiful sitka spruce and peat covered slopes. It is one of the oldest ancient woodlands in the whole of Ireland and a real hidden gem.
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Dart Mountain is a 619m peak located in the heart of the Sperrins in County Londonderry. It's a beautiful location for a walk, affording the visitor stunning views over the picturesque surrounding countryside.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone. It's all downhill from this point on, so you can enjoy a scenic descent back to the carpark.
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Sawel Mountain stands at 678m and is the highest peak in the Sperrins range, and the 8th highest in Northern Ireland. The vegetation around the summit consists of montane heathland, featuring a medley of plant life including heather, bilberries and cowberries. From the summit, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside of County Londonderry and Tyrone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Feeny?
Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. For a shorter, accessible walk, consider the Learmount Forest Walk via Learmount Castle — Sperrins. It's a gentle 2.8 km trail that's great for all ages. For a slightly longer but still manageable outing, Burntollet Wood has easy access paths that are popular with families.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Feeny?
Dogs are welcome on many trails, but they should be kept on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife like Banagher Glen. Always check local signage at trailheads for specific rules. Forest parks like Gortin Glen are generally dog-friendly.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, you can find some great circular hikes. For a challenging loop that takes in two peaks, the Sawel & Dart Mountain from Sperrin Road — Sperrins trail is a fantastic 8.5 km option. Another rewarding loop is the walk around the Altnaheglish Reservoir from Moneyneany Road — Sperrins, offering consistent views over the water.
What is the terrain like in Banagher Glen?
The main trail through Banagher Glen is a surfaced road that follows the river, but don't let that fool you. The glen is steep-sided, and the path involves some significant inclines on the way up to the dam. While accessible, it requires a good level of fitness, especially for the full route.
Where is the best place to park for a walk in Banagher Glen?
There is a designated car park at the entrance to Banagher Glen Forest Park on Magheramore Road. It's the main starting point for the trails leading up to the dam and reservoir. Arrive early on weekends as it can get busy.
How long does it take to hike up Sawel Mountain?
The time can vary depending on your pace and the specific route. A direct ascent like the Sawel Mountain — Sperrins trail is about 4.6 km and typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route is a steady climb to the highest peak in the Sperrins.
What are some popular places for hiking near Feeny?
Besides the main trails, hikers often explore several other highly-regarded spots:
Banagher Glen Forest Park: Famous for its ancient oak woodland and the steep walk up to the dam.
Gortin Glen Forest Park: A local favorite offering scenic trails, a coffee shop, and fantastic views from the Mullaghcarn trail.
Binevenagh: Offers a stunning hike around the base of the mountain and up to the lake, known for its beautiful scenery.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in the Feeny area?
While the region is known for its rivers and glens, prominent, large waterfalls are not a key feature of the main hiking trails. You will find many small cascades and fast-flowing sections of water along the river in Banagher Glen, which add to the area's scenic, 'enchanted forest' atmosphere.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Feeny?
The trails around Feeny are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the wild, unspoilt beauty of the Sperrin Mountains and the magical atmosphere of the ancient woodlands in Banagher Glen.
What is the best time of year to hike around Feeny?
Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the best conditions with longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. The woodlands are especially beautiful with the lush greenery of spring and the rich colours of autumn.
How difficult are the hikes in the Sperrin Mountains?
The Sperrins offer a mix of difficulties. You can find easy forest walks with minimal elevation, but the main mountain hikes are typically moderate. Routes to peaks like Sawel and Dart involve open, boggy terrain and significant ascents without marked paths, requiring good navigation skills.
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