The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Legaghory
3.5
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537
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22
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Family friendly hiking trails around Legaghory are primarily located within the Faughan Valley, an Area of Special Scientific Interest. This region is characterized by ancient woodlands, including Ness Wood, and riverine routes along the River Faughan. Hikers can find diverse landscapes and enjoy panoramic views from various points. The terrain offers a mix of natural paths and parkland settings suitable for family excursions.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Legaghory
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Craigavon Lakes – Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Craigavon, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail that takes 56 minutes to complete. This easy route features gentle elevation changes around the lakes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Craigavon Lakes – Pump Track loop from Craigavon, an easy 2.3 miles (3.8 km) path. This trail offers a pleasant walk with minimal elevation gain around the lake area.
- Local hikers also love the Pump Track – Craigavon Lakes loop from Craigavon, a 3.5 miles (5.6 km) trail leading through parkland and alongside the lakes, often completed in about 1 hour 27 minutes.
- Hiking around Legaghory is defined by parkland paths, lake-side routes, and gentle inclines. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy and moderate family friendly hiking trails.
- The routes in Legaghory are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.5 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Legaghory's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
83
hikers
3.70km
00:56
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
3.76km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
5.58km
01:27
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The paths are wide and perfect for families, as there are no cars to disturb you. As you glide along the car-free cycling and hiking trails, you can enjoy the view of the water - especially when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a very special atmosphere, almost mystical. The route is mostly asphalt, but there are also some gravel sections that provide some variety. These single-track paths add a certain challenge to the route without being really demanding. Ideal if you prefer to take it easy, but still don't want to just walk on smooth asphalt. If you want to take a break, the lake offers many corners to catch your breath and have a picnic. There is enough space on the banks to rest a bit and enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.
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The waterwheel at Craigavon Lakes is a historical landmark. It was purchased by the council in the 70s from the south of the Province and refurbished to provide energy to the local people. The wheel never got into full swing because of the lack of waterflow, however, in recent years the wheel has been seen turning for the first time!
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Craigavon Balancing Lakes, referred locally as 'The Lakes' are a set of man-made lakes built in the 1970s to control flooding. The route around the lakes is entirely flat and follows a mixture of paved and gravel paths close to the shoreline, which creates some wonderful water views as you jog along.
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Similarly to a reservoir, these balancing lakes function as a water store. However, instead of storing the water for the purposes of consumption it is utilised to temporarily store flood waters. As the surrounding areas become more built up with hard surfaces, less rain excess water is stored by soil resulting in it routing quicker into the rivers. These balancing lakes help by reducing the volume of rain water reaching the rivers, which prevents flooding. And more importantly for cyclists it has the great byproduct of providing a pretty feature for MTB trails to be built around!
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Craigavon Lakes with family friendly, traffic free, cycle and walking paths and even some single-track gravel paths.
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Test your pumping, cornering and jumping skills on this short little pump track
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Legaghory?
Legaghory offers a good selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 20 routes specifically curated for families. Most of these are easy, making them suitable for various ages and abilities.
What makes Legaghory a great destination for family hikes?
Legaghory is nestled within the beautiful Faughan Valley, an Area of Special Scientific Interest, offering a rich natural environment. Families can enjoy ancient woodlands, picturesque riverine routes along the River Faughan, and trails that provide panoramic views of Derry/Londonderry and the distant Donegal mountains. The paths are generally well-regarded and cater to different ability levels.
Are there any trails with waterfalls suitable for families?
Yes, the Ness Country Park is home to the impressive Ness Waterfall. A popular family-friendly option is the 5.2-mile (8.4 km) 'Ness Country Park – Wooden Bridge in Forest loop from Ness Waterfall', which allows you to experience this natural highlight.
Can we find circular routes for family walks in Legaghory?
Absolutely. Many of the family-friendly trails in Legaghory are circular, offering convenient loops. For example, you could explore the Craigavon Lakes – Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Craigavon, which is an easy 3.7 km walk, or the slightly longer Pump Track – Craigavon Lakes loop from Craigavon at 5.6 km.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Legaghory?
The trails in Legaghory typically feature varied terrain, including paths through ancient birch and oak woodlands, alongside the River Faughan, and open areas offering scenic views. The paths are generally well-maintained, making them accessible for families.
Are there any historical or interesting landmarks to see on these trails?
Yes, the region offers a mix of natural beauty and historical interest. You might encounter archaeological sites during your walks. Additionally, nearby attractions include the Moyallan Pillbox, a historical site, and the unique Wave Sculptures Overlooking Lough Neagh.
Are the family-friendly trails in Legaghory dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas in Legaghory, especially within the Faughan Valley and Ness Country Park, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, and to check specific park regulations before your visit.
What is the typical length and difficulty of family-friendly hikes here?
The family-friendly hikes in Legaghory range from easy strolls to moderate excursions. Most of the 22 available routes are classified as easy, with distances typically between 3.5 km and 6 km. This makes them suitable for families with children of varying ages and fitness levels.
Are there options for parking near the family-friendly trails?
Yes, popular areas like Ness Country Park, which features several family-friendly trails, typically offer designated parking facilities. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for parking information at the trailhead.
What kind of wildlife might we see during a family hike in Legaghory?
The diverse natural environment of Legaghory, particularly within the Faughan Valley and its ancient woodlands, provides opportunities to observe various flora and potentially rare wildlife. Keep an eye out for different bird species, small mammals, and a rich variety of plant life, especially in Ness Wood.
Are there any trails suitable for toddlers or very young children?
Yes, many of the easy trails, particularly those within Ness Country Park, are suitable for toddlers and young children. A shorter, easier 2.2-mile (3.6 km) loop within Ness Country Park is a great option for little legs, offering gentle paths through the woodlands.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Legaghory?
Legaghory offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours and generally pleasant weather. Winter walks can be beautiful, but paths might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
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