The best walks and hikes around Aughintober
3.7
(7)
152
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking around Aughintober offers a selection of outdoor activities in the Newry and Mourne region of Northern Ireland. The area features mostly flat terrain, including scenic canal towpaths and river valleys, with gentle elevation changes. The landscape is characterized by historical structures and pleasant walking paths rather than challenging mountain trails. These routes provide opportunities for leisurely outdoor pursuits and sightseeing.
Best hiking trails around Aughintober
- The most popular hiking route is Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook…
Last updated: July 11, 2026
3
hikers
4.32km
01:10
60m
60m
This easy 2.7-mile loop around Bessbrook Pond offers a pleasant hike past the Bessbrook War Memorial and through a historic village.
4.3
(3)
25
hikers
4.08km
01:07
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
hikers
8.27km
02:08
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.32km
00:51
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.78km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
As you enter Newry via the canal route, you are greeted by an impressive tribute to the fallen: the Newry War Memorial, marked by an authentic 25-pounder gun. This artillery piece, an icon of World War II, symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of the local people during global conflicts. The Gun: It is an Ordnance QF 25-pounder, the main British field gun of World War II, known for its versatility and mobility.
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Here, too, passersby encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town. Everywhere in the villages and towns, victims were mourned during the terrible wars (especially, but not only, in the first half of the last century) – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their fatherland far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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Here, too, hikers and walkers will encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town, as throughout the villages and towns, victims of the terrible wars (especially in the first half of the last century) were mourned – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their country far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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The war memorial in Bessbrook stands silently yet full of meaning in the heart of the village. The white obelisk bears the names of almost ninety people who gave their lives in the Second World War - a sign of remembrance and remembrance of those who once lived here and defended their homeland. As you walk past, you can read the inscriptions that tell the stories of those who fell. The square around the memorial is simple, but that is precisely what draws the focus to the message of remembrance and the silent commemoration of the past. The surrounding houses seem to carry the history of the place and you can almost feel how yesterday and today are connected here. A place that makes you pause and reminds you of how important it is to preserve history.
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Nestled away in the lovely Loughbrickland Forest lies a bronze age ringfort or rath. With its peaceful location surrounded by trees Coolnacran Fort has an almost mystical feel. In spring bluebells carpet the area, and you can explore the interior of the fort. The Forest also has designated walking routes throughout.
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This War Memorial in Bessbrook is dedicated to the 86 individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War. It is a 17-foot (5.75 meters) tall obelisk.
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This obelisk-shaped War Memorial was erected in memory of nearly ninety individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War.
2
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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Aughintober?
There are over 20 hiking trails around Aughintober, offering a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts. The komoot community has recorded 24 routes in total.
What is the general difficulty level of hikes in Aughintober?
The hiking trails around Aughintober are predominantly easy to moderate. Out of the 24 available routes, 18 are classified as easy and 6 as moderate, with no difficult trails. This makes the area suitable for leisurely walks and those seeking less strenuous outdoor activities.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Aughintober?
The trails in Aughintober are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from over 5 reviews. Hikers often praise the gentle terrain, scenic canal towpaths, and the opportunity to explore historical sites.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Aughintober?
Aughintober's trails, characterized by flat terrain and towpaths, are generally pleasant for hiking throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and lush scenery. While winter hikes are possible, be prepared for potentially wet and cooler conditions.
Are there any circular walks in Aughintober?
Yes, Aughintober offers several circular walks. For example, you can enjoy the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond, an easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route, or the Coolnacran Ringfort loop from Loughbrickland, another easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) path exploring a historical site.
Are the hiking trails around Aughintober suitable for families?
Many of the hiking trails around Aughintober are very suitable for families due to their easy difficulty and minimal elevation gain. Routes like the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond are particularly family-friendly, offering pleasant walks around scenic areas.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Aughintober?
Generally, dogs are welcome on many of the public footpaths and trails around Aughintober, especially on towpaths and in open countryside. However, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to clean up after them.
Are there any accessible hiking routes for people with limited mobility?
Given the region's characteristic flat terrain and the presence of canal towpaths, many routes around Aughintober offer good accessibility. The Newry Canal Towpath, for instance, is known for being very flat and reasonably scenic, making it suitable for those seeking accessible walking options.
What kind of scenery or landmarks can I expect to see while hiking?
While hiking around Aughintober, you can expect to encounter a mix of historical structures and pleasant natural landscapes. Notable landmarks include the impressive Craigmore Viaduct, the historical Scarva Village with its WWII pilbox, and the scenic Newry Canal Towpath with its old lock gates and gatekeepers' cottages.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, most popular walking areas and attractions in the Newry and Mourne region, such as those near the Newry Canal Towpath or Scarva Village, typically offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
How can I get to the hiking trails around Aughintober using public transport?
Public transport options to reach specific trailheads around Aughintober may be limited, as the area is more rural. However, bus services connect larger towns in the Newry and Mourne region. For detailed public transport information, it's recommended to consult local bus schedules or journey planners for routes connecting to nearby towns like Newry.
Are there places to eat or drink near the hiking trails in Aughintober?
While Aughintober itself is a smaller locality, the wider Newry and Mourne region offers various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Larger towns like Newry, which is accessible from some of the hiking routes, provide more options for refreshments and meals after your hike.
Are there any river or canal walks in the Aughintober area?
Yes, the Aughintober area is known for its pleasant river and canal walks. The Newry Canal Towpath is a prominent feature, offering a very flat and scenic route. Additionally, you can explore routes like the Newry River loop from Newry, which provides a gentle walk along the river.
Most popular attractions around Aughintober
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