The best walks and hikes around Ballykeery

There are 6 hiking trails available around Ballykeery, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging ascents. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Yes, Ballykeery offers 2 easy hiking routes. For a gentle experience, consider the Moor Lough – Moor Lough loop from Altishane, a short 1.1-mile (1.8 km) path providing accessible views of Moor Lough. The wider region, particularly around Ballykelly, also features level coastal paths and gentle forest loops suitable for all abilities.

For those seeking a challenge, there is 1 difficult route available. The Mullaghclogher, Mullaghdoo & Mullaghasturrakeen loop — Sperrins is a demanding 17.1-mile (27.6 km) trail with significant elevation gain. Additionally, the nearby Binevenagh area offers challenging hikes with panoramic views and dramatic basalt cliffs.

Yes, several circular routes are available. The Moor Lough – Moor Lough loop from Altishane is an easy option, while the Rath loop from Altishane offers a moderate 6.5-mile (10.4 km) experience. For a longer, more challenging loop, consider the Mullaghclogher, Mullaghdoo & Mullaghasturrakeen loop — Sperrins.

The Ballykeery region offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter hills, loughs, and forested areas, with terrain ranging from open pastoral fields to river valleys and woodlands. The surrounding areas, like Ballykelly, feature coastal paths along Lough Foyle and the dramatic basalt cliffs of Binevenagh, providing varied scenery for hikers.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 4 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, which includes loughs, hills, and open fields, and appreciate the range of options available for different ability levels.

Yes, there are several points of interest. You can visit Moor Lough, which is also featured in a popular loop trail. Other nearby attractions include the Let the Dance Begin Sculptures and the historic Newtownstewart Stone Bridge.

While specific family-friendly routes in Ballykeery are not detailed, the region's easy trails, such as the Moor Lough – Moor Lough loop from Altishane, are suitable for families. The broader area, including Roe Valley Country Park near Ballykelly, offers gentle riverside walks and forest loops perfect for all ages.

The best time for hiking in Ballykeery generally aligns with the milder, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these periods, you can expect more pleasant weather conditions, making coastal paths, woodlands, and open fields more enjoyable. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While specific viewpoints are not detailed for every trail, the region's diverse landscape suggests many opportunities for scenic vistas. The Moor Lough area provides accessible views. For panoramic views, consider exploring the nearby Binevenagh, which offers expansive outlooks over Lough Foyle and the surrounding countryside.

Yes, for longer day hikes, the Mullaghclogher, Mullaghdoo & Mullaghasturrakeen loop — Sperrins is a substantial 17.1-mile (27.6 km) route. Another moderate option is Barnes Gap loop from Glenelly, which covers 9.7 miles (15.7 km) and takes approximately 4 hours 28 minutes.