Best Walking Trails near Finn Valley Cottages
Our visitors can enjoy 10 of the Best Walking Trails in Northern Ireland and Donegal as a day trip from Finn Valley Cottages. The list below is in order of proximity to Finn Valley Cottages.
- Drumboe Woods
- Bessy Bell
- Gortin Glen Forest Park
- Mullaghcarn
- Ness Country Park
- Loughermore Forest
- Drum Manor Forest Park
- Davagh Forest
- Lough Fea
- Mount Errigal and Mackoght Loop Walk
Finn Valley Cottages is located in the heart of County Tyrone, they are situated in a scenic countryside location, providing guests with a peaceful and tranquil environment. The location provides easy access to 10 of the Best Walking Trails in Northern Ireland and those in the border areas of Donegal. These beautiful locations are within an hours drive from Finn Valley Cottages. Book your stay at Finn Valley.
Best Walking Trails Near Finn Valley
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning part of Ireland. From scenic forest trails to rugged mountain hikes, these walks will give you the chance to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and breathe in the fresh, clean air. So, put on your walking boots, pack a picnic, and let’s get exploring! We hope you enjoy our list of the 10 Best Walking Trails, please feel free to get in touch to add some of your own experiences to our list.
1. Drumboe Woods
Drumboe Woods Location; Drumboe Avenue, Stranorlar, Co.Donegal, Ireland
Latitude: 54.8036° N
Longitude: -7.77682° W
Distance: 9.8 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 18 minutes.
*Dog Friendly *Easy Walk * Fairy Door Trail
Drumboe Woods is a forest park located near the town of Stranorlar in County Donegal, Ireland. It covers an area of about 200 acres and is a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers. The forest park features a range of walking trails, including a nature trail and a longer looped trail that leads through the heart of the woods.
Drumboe Woods is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, pine martens, and numerous species of birds. The park has picnic areas, a children’s playground, and a car park, making it a great spot for a family day out or a peaceful nature walk.
2. Bessy Bell
Bessy Bell Location; 134 Beltany Rd, Omagh BT78 5RA
Latitude: 54.68523° N
Longitude: -7.395022° W
Distance: 12 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 16 minutes.
*Views of Sperrins *Harry Averys Castle *Wind Farm
The Bessy Bell Mountain walk is a moderate hike that is suitable for walkers of all abilities. The total distance is approximately 3.5 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 220 meters. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with clear signposts and markers along the way.
At the summit of Bessy Bell Mountain, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Donegal Hills to the west and the Mourne Mountains to the east, the stunning views ensure that Bessy Bell makes our list of the best walking trails in the North West. There’s a stone cairn at the top of the mountain, which is a great spot to take a rest and soak in the stunning views.
3. Gortin Glen
Gortin Glen Location; Glenpark Road, Omagh, BT79 7SU
Latitude: 54.6950306° N
Longitude: -7.2496540° W
Distance: 15 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 26 minutes.
*Bike Hire *Cafe *Play Park *Easy Walk
Number 3 on our list of the best walking trails is Gortin Glen Forest Park. A short 30 minute drive from Finn Valley Cottages, Gortin Glen Forest Park, is located 6 miles from Omagh. Gortin Glen is a family friendly outdoor facility with a destination play park, trim trail, additional parking, Mountain Bike Trails, walking trails, horse trails, café and toilet facilities. Visitors can also enjoy the biodiversity of the local area.
Campbase Adventure offer Bike Hire at Gortin Glen Forest Park providing top quality bike hire for all ages and abilities, including kids, hard-tails and full-suspension with all required protection equipment available for hire also. Campbase Adventures offer a safe & professional uplift service with a variety of comfortable mini-buses/vehicles and bespoke bike trailers.
4. Mullaghcarn
Mullaghcarn location; Glenpark Rd, Omagh BT79 7SU
Latitude: 54.674295° N
Longitude: -7.209413° W
Distance: 14 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 22 minutes.
*Steep Summit *Unique Wooden Sculpture *Giant on the Cairn *Beautiful Views
Mullaghcarn is a beautiful mountain located in the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, near the town of Omagh in County Tyrone. Standing at a height of 542 metres, Mullaghcarn offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
There are a number of different walking routes up Mullaghcarn, ranging from easy to challenging making it one of our best walking trails locally. The most popular route begins at the Gortin Glens Forest Park car park, and follows a well-marked trail through the forest and up the mountain.
The trail is approximately 5 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours to complete. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, and the countryside of County Tyrone and you can meet the Giant wooden Sculpture.
Learn about the Sperrins Sculpture Trail
Image: Giant on the Cairn, Sperrin Sculpture Trail
5. Ness Country Park
Ness County Park Location;50 Oughtagh Road, Killaloo, County Londonderry, BT47 3TR
Latitude: 54.9428° N
Longitude: -7.19529° W
Distance: 22 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 39 minutes.
*Waterfall *Childrens Play Area *Toilets
Ness Wood is named for ‘an las’ or Ness, meaning Waterfall, in this case one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Ireland. Ness Country Park is a large forested park located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The park spans over 55 hectares and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including walking, cycling, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
There are several walking trails within the park, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. One of the most popular walks is the Ness Woodland Walk, which takes visitors through the heart of the park, passing by the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall and the Clady River. The walk is approximately 3.2 kilometers long and takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
Cycling is also a popular activity in the park, with a dedicated cycle trail that runs for approximately 6 kilometers through the forested areas.
Other facilities within the park include a picnic area, a play park for children, and an outdoor classroom area for educational visits.
6. Loughermore Forest
Loughermore Forest Location; Loughermore Road, Limavady BT49 9JQ
Latitude: 54.981323° N
Longitude: -7.091161° W
Distance: 28 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 53 minutes.
*Dogs Welcome *Mountain Biking *Beautiful Scenic Path
Loughermore forest covers an area of approximately 900 hectares and offers a variety of activities including walking, cycling, and horse riding.
There are several walking trails within the forest, ranging from short strolls to longer hikes, with options suitable for all levels of fitness. One of the most popular walks is the Loughermore Forest Walk, which is approximately 7 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and passes by several historical sites, including the ruins of an old church and an ancient stone circle.
Cycling is also a popular activity in the forest, with several designated cycle trails that range in difficulty from easy to challenging. Horse riding is also possible within the forest, with several bridleways and horse-friendly trails available.
The forest is home to a range of wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, and a variety of bird species. There are several designated wildlife watching areas within the forest, offering visitors the chance to observe and learn about the natural environment.
7. Drum Manor Forest Park
Drum Manor Forest Park Location; Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8UN
Latitude: 54.6429197° N
Longitude -6.8180858° W
Distance: 30 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 51 minutes.
*Family Friendly *Play Park * Toilets
Drum Manor Forest Park is an attractive eighteenth-century demesne and is open to the public every day. Colourful in spring and autumn with a shrub, butterfly and Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds and mixed woodlands. Way-marked trails of varying length commence at the car park and form a circular route.
Access and additional activities on site ensures that Drum Manor Forest Park offers some of the best walking trails and day excursions for our visitors. There is a Self-guided trail with wheelchair access. Outdoor activities include camping and touring, walking trails, gardens and a play park. There is a large car park with toilet facilities. There are also a range of way-marked trails with scenic walks around the forest and wildfowl lake. These trails all start and finish at the large day visitor car park.
8. Davagh Forest
Davagh Forest Location; 155 Davagh Rd, Omagh BT79 8JQ
Latitude: 54.713° N
Longitude: -6.8912° W
Distance: 31 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 58 minutes.
*Bike Hire *Picnic Areas *Toilets
Number 8 on our list of best walking trails is Davagh Forest, Sperrin Mountains. An hour away from Finn Valley Cottages this is a wonderful day drive and the true definition of a hidden gem. Davagh Forest lies approximately 6 miles north west of Cookstown in an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests.
Davagh Forest’s short 2 mile circular walk begins from the upper car park and follows the black waymarker arrows alongside Davagh Water. This pleasant riverside path meanders through lush green, almost fluorescent, woodland before crossing over Davagh Water and gradually ascending to meet the main forest road. Look out for the red tint of the river when crossing the newly constructed footbridge.
The return leg of this walking trail uses the wide, surfaced forest road which leads down to meet the car park and back to the start of the trail. There is a car park, toilets and picnic areas are also available.
Keen cyclists are also flocking to this area to explore the new mountain bike trails being developed at Davagh Forest in Northern Ireland, with up to 6.5km of biking trails, comprising of red and blue graded singletrack.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is also located within Davagh Forest, on the Sperrin Mountains. OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. An International Dark Sky Park, where astronomy meets archaeology.
9. Lough Fea
Lough Fea Location; Cookstown BT80 9TU
Latitude: 54°43’0″ N
Longitude: 6°49’60” W
Distance: 35 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 54 minutes.
*Mountain Scenery *Anglers Dream *Toilets
Lough Fea is a lake located in the Sperrin Mountains near Cookstown in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, walking, and cycling. The lake is around 1.5 kilometers long and covers an area of approximately 60 acres, surrounded by rolling hills and dense woodland.
There are also several walking trails in the area, including a looped walk around the lake, which is approximately 4.5 kilometers long and takes around an hour to complete. The trail is relatively easy, with a mix of gravel paths and boardwalks, making it suitable for all levels of fitness.
The lake is also a great spot for picnicking, with several designated picnic areas around the shore. Additionally, there is a children’s play area and a caravan park located near the lake, making it a great spot for a family day out.
10. Mount Errigal and Mackoght Loop Walk
Mount Errigal Location; R251 road Donegal
Latitude: 55° 01′ 58.80″ N
Longitude: -8° 06′ 43.20″ W
Distance: 38 miles drive from Finn Valley Cottages approximately 1 hour.
*Steep Climb *Scenic Walk *Experienced Walkers
The Mount Errigal and Mackoght Loop Walk is a popular hiking trail in County Donegal, Ireland. This trail is known for its stunning scenery and provides hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the Derryveagh Mountains, Poisoned Glen, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The hike is approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and level of fitness. The trail starts at the car park near the foot of Mount Errigal and follows a path up the mountain’s eastern slope. As you climb, you’ll encounter some rocky sections, but the views of the surrounding landscape are well worth it.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Errigal, which stands at 751 meters (2,464 feet), you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From there, the trail continues along the ridge towards Mackoght, also known as Little Errigal, which is a smaller mountain peak that offers its own spectacular views.
The descent from Mackoght takes you through the beautiful Poisoned Glen and back to the starting point. The entire hike is considered moderately challenging and requires a good level of fitness and proper hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and plenty of water.
Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of County Donegal, among the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. It is a short drive onwards from Mount Errigal. Glenveagh National Park hosts pristine habitats and protected wildlife, and its trails taking in the stunning Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh, make Glenveagh the ideal escape for lovers of the natural world.
Hidden Gems along the way
Glenelly Valley
Glenelly Valley, is a hidden gem which is located in the longest valley in the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It lies within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The drive to Glenelly Valley is less than 30 minutes from the cottages, the walk starts at Cranagh, which is small village, seven miles outside of Plumbridge.
Why choose to stay at Finn Valley Cottages?
Finn Valley Cottages offers a perfect base to explore the best walking trails in the North West of Northern Ireland and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Guests can truly enjoy the stunning scenery from their cottage window and plan their day trips with our help in a short period of time. There is plenty of space in the cottages for your walking gear and all cottages have utility rooms with the necessary appliances. It is a perfect place to come back to relax, after an eventful day exploring some of the beautiful sights Ireland has to offer.
To book your stay please visit our website at www.finnvalleycottages.com
