The best walks and hikes around Keady

Keady offers a selection of 7 hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate routes. These trails allow you to explore the region's diverse landscapes.

The terrain around Keady is quite varied, characterized by a blend of hills, farmland, forests, and serene countryside. You'll encounter the unique rolling drumlin landscape, a legacy of the last ice age, along with sections through forest and along river valleys. Some paths may be uneven or wet underfoot, adding to the adventurous character of the walks.

Yes, there are several circular walks available. For example, the Garvagh Forest loop is an easy 3.8-mile path that takes you through forest landscapes. Another option is the Garvagh Forest Trails loop from Garvagh, which is slightly shorter at 3.4 miles.

Hikers in Keady can enjoy a variety of natural features. The routes often navigate through the picturesque Keady Hills, offering expansive views. You'll also find tranquil bodies of water such as Keady Lakes, Darkley Lake, Tullynawood Lake, Gentle Owens Lake, and Clea Lake. Additionally, some trails follow the course of local rivers and venture through areas like Darkley Forest.

Yes, Keady's historical significance is interwoven with its natural beauty. Along the hiking paths, you can discover the ruins of old mills, including historic sites at Dundrum and the Darkley Mill & Chimney. For those interested in ancient history, the ruins of the Aughnagurgan Megalithic Tombs are an optional diversion, and other points of interest in the broader area include Tassagh Old Graveyard and various ancient forts.

Keady offers trails for various skill levels. Out of the 7 available routes, 5 are considered easy, while 2 are moderate. This means you can find options for gentle walks with minimal elevation gain, as well as more challenging routes with varied terrain and elevation changes, such as the Carntogher Way.

Many of the easy trails in Keady are suitable for families. Routes like the Garvagh Forest loop, which is 3.8 miles long with minimal elevation, provide a pleasant experience for all ages. These paths typically lead through forests or along gentle landscapes.

The hiking trails in Keady are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from around 38 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural features, the scenic landscapes, and the unique rolling drumlin hills that define the area.

Yes, several trails in Keady feature forest sections. For instance, the Priest's Chair via Glenshane Forest is a 6.2-mile trail that leads directly through Glenshane Forest. Darkley Forest also offers an optional diversion of approximately 2.5 miles of forest trails as part of the wider 'Keady - A Walk thru' History' route.

The longest moderate hike in Keady is the Priest's Chair via Glenshane Forest, which covers approximately 6.2 miles (10.0 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 48 minutes to complete.

While Keady is known for its rolling drumlin hills, some trails do offer more significant elevation changes. The Carntogher Way, for example, is a moderate 6.1-mile route with an elevation gain of over 260 meters, providing a good workout and expansive views.