The best walks and hikes around Monbrief

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. Most trails are flat and accessible, especially those in local parks. For a great day out, consider the Pavilion in the Park loop from Lurgan, which is a short and easy walk. Tannaghmore Gardens is another excellent choice, offering gentle paths and a rare breeds animal farm.

Many trails in the region are suitable for dog walking, provided dogs are kept on a lead, especially in nature reserves and near livestock. The Fairy Glen in Rostrevor is a particularly popular spot for dog walkers, with paths along the river. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

The immediate trails around Monbrief and Craigavon are mostly easy and flat. For a significant challenge, you'll need to travel a bit further to the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion is a strenuous but rewarding climb, offering panoramic views from the highest point in County Armagh.

The region has several excellent circular routes. The Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Craigavon is a popular, flat trail perfect for a leisurely walk. For a longer, more immersive experience, the 36-mile Ring of Gullion Way offers a multi-day circular trek through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For gentle, scenic views of lakes and parkland, the trails around the Craigavon Lakes are ideal. For the most dramatic, far-reaching vistas in the region, the summit of Slieve Gullion is unmatched. On a clear day, you can see across the Ring of Gullion, the Mourne Mountains, and the Cooley Peninsula.

Most of the main parks and nature reserves, such as Oxford Island, Peatlands Park, and Gosford Forest Park, have dedicated car parks. For trails starting in towns like Lurgan or Portadown, you can use public car parks. Public transport via bus services connects the main towns, but access to more remote trailheads may require a car.

The area is rich in wildlife, especially around its wetlands. Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, on the shores of Lough Neagh, is a premier location for birdwatching, with hides overlooking reed beds and meadows. Peatlands Park also offers a unique habitat where you can observe various birds, insects, and rare plants from boardwalk trails.

Yes, you can combine hiking with history. The Brownlow House – Pavilion in the Park loop from Lurgan takes you past the impressive Brownlow House, a historic 19th-century country manor. In the nearby city of Armagh, the Palace Demesne offers gentle walks through the grounds of a former archbishop's palace.

The trails around Monbrief are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers frequently praise the accessibility of the routes and the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeside and parkland paths, making it an ideal destination for relaxing walks.

After exploring the trails around Lurgan Park, you'll find several cafes and pubs in Lurgan town centre. If you're visiting Oxford Island Nature Reserve, there is a cafe on-site which is a popular spot for visitors to relax with a coffee while enjoying views of Lough Neagh.

While the immediate area is not known for large waterfalls, The Fairy Glen near Rostrevor offers a beautiful walk along the Kilbroney River, with charming cascades and small waterfalls along the path. It's a highly-regarded walk, especially popular with families.

Most of the popular trails, particularly around the Craigavon Lakes and in Lurgan Park, are paved or well-maintained gravel paths suitable for all footwear. Trails in nature reserves like Peatlands Park may include boardwalks over boggy ground. More remote countryside paths can be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.