The best running trails around Derry

There are over 9 dedicated running routes around Derry featured on komoot, catering to various fitness levels. These include easy loops, moderate paths, and more challenging long-distance runs.

Yes, Derry offers several easier routes perfect for beginners or a relaxed run. You can find 2 easy routes among the selection, providing gentle terrain and shorter distances to help you get started or enjoy a leisurely jog.

Many of the routes around Derry are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For instance, the Derryhowlaght Lough loop from Drummack is a popular moderate circular path, providing pleasant views around the lough. Another option is the Celtic Crosses Cemetery loop from Tamlaght, which is also a moderate circular route.

Absolutely! Derry's historic City Walls offer a unique 1-mile elevated promenade for jogging, providing views of the city, Guildhall, and the Peace Bridge. You can combine a run on the walls with a loop around their outer circumference for a blend of history and exercise.

While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the guide, Derry's numerous parks and green spaces are generally suitable for families. St. Columb's Park and Brooke Park (the 'People's Park') offer walking trails and open spaces that can be enjoyed by all ages for a gentle run or stroll. Ness Country Park also has over 7km of trails in a natural setting.

For scenic views, consider routes along the River Foyle, especially those incorporating the Peace Bridge, which connects the city's two banks and offers varied loops with city vistas. The City Walls also provide elevated views. For more natural landscapes, routes in Ness Country Park offer unspoiled scenery, and the Binevenagh Area, a short drive away, boasts breathtaking views of the countryside and Atlantic Ocean from its trails.

Yes, just outside Derry, Ness Country Park is home to Northern Ireland's highest waterfall. The park offers over 7km of trails, making it an excellent destination for a run that includes a natural spectacle. You can explore the mixed woodland and riverside walks along the Burntollet River.

Derry's running terrain is quite diverse. You'll find everything from flat, paved riverside paths along the Foyle, to elevated historical promenades on the City Walls, and natural trails through woodlands and parks like St. Columb's Park and Prehen Wood. Some routes, particularly those in the Sperrin Mountains or the Binevenagh Area, will offer more challenging hilly and uneven terrain.

Experienced runners looking for a challenge will find several longer routes. The Running loop from Mullynascarty is a difficult 16.5 km (10.3 miles) trail, while the Derryhowlaght Lough – Lough Corban loop from Aghnacarra covers 16.1 km (10.0 miles). For an even longer option, the Racecourse Lough loop from Tamlaght is a difficult 19.4 km (12.1 miles) route.

The komoot community frequently explores Derry's varied terrain, with over 60 runners having used the platform to discover routes here. Users often praise the blend of urban and natural environments, highlighting the scenic riverside paths and the unique historical experience of running along the City Walls.

While Derry itself is inland, coastal running opportunities are accessible nearby. You can explore routes like the Moville to Greencastle walk along the Foyle or walks along the Shores of Lough Swilly. Further afield, the Causeway Coast Way offers a challenging endurance run with stunning coastal scenery.

Yes, Derry boasts several excellent parks for running. St. Columb's Park is the city's largest green space with trails and woodlands. Ness Country Park offers over 7km of trails and a waterfall. Bay Road Park provides riverside trails and birdwatching, while Brooke Park and Gransha Woods/Park are also popular choices for local runners.