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United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Magherafelt

Drumnacanon

The best walks and hikes around Drumnacanon

4.7

(24)

69

hikers

5

hikes

Hiking around Drumnacanon offers access to diverse natural landscapes, including ancient woodlands, wetland areas, and the Grillagh River. The region is situated near the Sperrin Mountains, providing a mix of forest trails and views towards surrounding hills. Varied habitats such as bogland and meadows contribute to the area's ecological richness.

Best hiking trails around Drumnacanon

  • The most popular hiking route is Carntogher Way, a 6.1 miles (9.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 51 minutes to complete. This moderate…

Last updated: June 25, 2026

4.4

(9)

20

hikers

#1.

Carntogher Way

9.82km

02:51

260m

260m

Embark on the Carntogher Way, a moderate hike spanning 6.1 miles (9.8 km) with an elevation gain of 868 feet (265 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 51…

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Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(2)

8

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

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Popular around Drumnacanon

Road Cycling Routes around Drumnacanon

Running Trails around Drumnacanon

Tips from the Community

Grace Mulligan
October 30, 2023, Carntogher Summit Cairn

The climb up Carntogher is a bit of a leg burner, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile. From the peak, you'll be afforded views across Lough Foyle to Errigal and Muckish in Donegal, Sawel and the high Sperrins, and south-east to The Mournes and Slieve Gullion.

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If you walk 100m slightly off the path south at this waypoint, you'll reach the beautiful little Altkeeran Waterfall. The waterfall is situated nearby to the spring Source Of The Grillagh and the peak Carntogher.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available around Drumnacanon?

There are over 5 hiking routes available around Drumnacanon, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls through ancient woodlands to more moderate ascents with scenic views. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in Drumnacanon?

Yes, Drumnacanon offers several easy, family-friendly options. The Drumnaph Forest – Drumnph Forest loop from Drumnaph Nature Reserve is an easy 4.5 km path that leads through ancient woodlands and diverse habitats. Within Drumnaph Nature Reserve, the Ruachan Trail (1 km) and a section of the Loch Bran Trail (1.5 km) are also suitable for families, with the latter even featuring an interactive SlΓ­ na SΓ­ (fairy trail) and wheelchair-accessible sections.

Can I find circular hiking routes in the Drumnacanon area?

Yes, many of the trails around Drumnacanon are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Drumnaph Forest loop and the more challenging Carntogher Summit Cairn loop from Drumnaph Nature Reserve, which offers varied terrain and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Are there any trails that feature waterfalls near Drumnacanon?

Yes, you can explore the Altkeeran Waterfall loop from Pollan Burn. This easy 5.7 km hike offers the chance to experience a waterfall as part of your outdoor adventure.

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Drumnacanon?

Drumnacanon is rich in diverse natural landscapes. You'll encounter ancient woodlands, semi-natural woodlands, wetlands, boglands, and meadows. The Grillagh River, an important salmon-spawning river, runs through the area, and the region's proximity to the Sperrin Mountains provides a backdrop of wild, untouched beauty.

Are there good viewpoints or scenic vistas on the Drumnacanon trails?

Yes, from certain trails, particularly the Loch Bran trail within Drumnaph Nature Reserve, you can enjoy fantastic views. These include vistas of Sliabh Mis (Slemish) mountain to the east and Carn TΓ³chair (Carntogher) mountain to the west. The Carntogher Way also explores the landscape around Carntogher, likely offering elevated perspectives.

What is the best time of year to hike in Drumnacanon?

Drumnacanon offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. The diverse habitats, including ancient woodlands and wetlands, offer unique beauty in different seasons. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

What historical features or points of interest can be found along the hiking routes?

Drumnaph Wood, a significant remnant of ancient forest, offers opportunities to spot historical features and nature sculptures. The area also has a rich folklore, with ancient rath settlements located within the Drumnaph Nature Reserve, providing a glimpse into Ireland's past ecosystems and history.

Is there parking available for hikers near the trails in Drumnacanon?

While specific parking locations for all routes are not detailed, Drumnaph Nature Reserve, a central point for many trails, is likely to have visitor parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point details for individual routes on komoot for precise parking information.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Drumnacanon?

The trails in Drumnacanon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 24 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, including the ancient woodlands and varied habitats, as well as the well-maintained trails that cater to different fitness levels.

Are there any trails that follow a river or offer waterside views?

Yes, the Grillagh River runs along the edge of Drumnaph Nature Reserve, and trails like the Ruachan Trail lead towards it. The Perimeter Trail also follows the river through young woodland and open scrubland, offering waterside views and the chance to observe the river's ecological importance as a salmon-spawning river.

Most popular routes around Drumnacanon

Road Cycling Routes around Drumnacanon

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