The best walks and hikes around Lough Melvin
4.6
(33)
231
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking around Lough Melvin offers diverse landscapes in County Leitrim and County Fermanagh, characterized by crystal-clear waters and a predominantly rocky shoreline. The region features surrounding green hills and woodlands, providing a varied backdrop for trails. Lough Melvin is ecologically significant, home to unique flora and fauna, and includes specific attractions like Fowley's Falls, which offers accessible hiking paths.
Best hiking trails around Lough Melvin
- The most popular hiking route is Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin β County Leitrimβ¦
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.8
(5)
15
hikers
5.13km
01:24
70m
70m
Hike the easy 3.2-mile Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin to discover cascading waterfalls and peaceful woodland scenery.
7
hikers
2.50km
00:42
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.8
(10)
74
hikers
4.22km
01:06
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
76
hikers
5.75km
01:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.56km
00:56
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Lough Melvin
Tips from the Community
This is a nice spot to have a bit of a rest and a bite to eat after your lovely walk. Very convenient being next to the road and with a couple of benches here as well.
0
0
As the Glenanniff River travels down from the mountains above, it has eroded the local blue limestone to form a deep river valley. Fowleyβs Falls is not a single drop waterfall; instead, it cascades in a series of drops over the exposed bedrock to form a spectacular torrent of water rushing through the steep valley towards Lough Melvin.
0
0
The beach at Bonduran is popular with all the amenities you'd expect at a town bay, including lifeguards and amusement arcades and a funfair if you have some young runners with you. It is regularly used by surfers and you can run along the cliffs from here to take a closer look.
0
0
The beach at Bonduran is popular with all the amenities you'd expect at a town bay, including lifeguards, amusement arcades and a funfair if you have some young cyclists with you. It is regularly used by surfers which makes a great spectacle to watch.
1
0
The Wishing Chair is carved out of stone and sits overlooking wonderful views of Donegal Bay. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the surfer Kelly Slater and make a wish, there is an information board closeby which tells you how to do it properly. The naturally eroded bridges were once thought to be the home of fairies, hence their evocative name.
1
0
The beach at Bonduran is popular with all the amenities you'd expect at a town bay, including lifeguards and amusement arcades and a funfair if you have some young hikers with you. It is regularly used by surfers and you can hike along the cliffs from here to take a closer look.
0
0
The Wishing Chair is carved out of stone and sits overlooking wonderful views of Donegal Bay. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the surfer Kelly Slater and make a wish, there is an information board closeby which tells you how to do it properly. The naturally eroded bridges were once thought to be the home of fairies, hence their evocative name.
0
0
Donegal Bay is the largest bay in Ireland and has Ireland's second highest sea cliffs at Slieve League. Donegal Bay's beaches are known internationally for their world class surfing due to the funnelling nature of the bay and the beaches facing directly west into the Atlantic Ocean.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Lough Melvin?
There are over a dozen hiking trails around Lough Melvin, offering a variety of experiences. These include 8 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring options for different fitness levels.
What are the main natural features and attractions to see while hiking near Lough Melvin?
Lough Melvin is known for its crystal-clear waters, rocky shoreline, and surrounding green hills and woodlands. A prominent natural attraction is Fowley's Falls, which features easy hiking trails like the Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin. The area is also ecologically significant, home to unique flora and fauna, including rare plant species and distinct populations of fish.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Lough Melvin?
Yes, Lough Melvin offers several easy, family-friendly walks. The Fowley's Falls β Picnic Spot loop from Rossinver is a short, easy path ideal for a quick outing. Another accessible option is the Rougey Walk loop from Bundoran, which provides coastal scenery.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Lough Melvin?
The summer months are ideal for hiking around Lough Melvin, as the weather is generally milder and the lough's crystal-clear waters are suitable for swimming and paddleboarding. The diverse woodlands and unique flora are also vibrant during this period.
Are there any circular walks available in the Lough Melvin area?
Yes, there are several circular walks. For instance, the Fowley's Falls β Picnic Spot loop from Rossinver offers a shorter circular route. Another popular option is the Rougey Walk loop from Bundoran, which provides coastal views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Lough Melvin?
The trails around Lough Melvin are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 35 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the clear lough waters to the scenic woodlands, and the accessibility of routes like those around Fowley's Falls.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls near Lough Melvin?
Yes, Fowley's Falls is a notable attraction in the area, offering easy hiking trails that lead directly to the waterfalls. The Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin is a great option to experience this natural feature.
What is the typical terrain and difficulty level for hiking around Lough Melvin?
The terrain around Lough Melvin is diverse, ranging from rocky shorelines to lush green hills and woodlands. Most trails are classified as easy, with 8 out of 13 routes falling into this category, requiring up to 2 hours and minimal elevation gain. There are also 5 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, involving up to 5 hours and more elevation.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming or other water activities near the hiking trails?
Yes, Lough Melvin's crystal-clear, unenriched waters are suitable for swimming and paddleboarding, especially during the summer months. Several piers, such as Kinlough Pier, Breffni Pier, and Lareen Pier, provide access to the lough for various water activities, including fishing.
Where can I find information about the unique ecology and conservation of Lough Melvin?
Lough Melvin is of significant ecological importance, supporting diverse plant and animal communities, including unique populations of Arctic Char and Brown Trout. For detailed information on its conservation status and ecological features, you can refer to resources like the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (jncc.gov.uk) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk).
Are there any coastal walks near Lough Melvin?
While Lough Melvin is an inland lake, the nearby town of Bundoran offers coastal walking experiences. The Bundoran Beach β Donegal Bay loop from Bundoran and the Bundoran Beach loop from Bundoran are easy routes that allow you to explore the scenic coastline.
Most popular routes around Lough Melvin
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
