The best walks and hikes around Annaghmore

The trails around Annaghmore cater to a range of abilities. You'll find everything from short, easy walks like the Inniscarn Forest loop from Desertmartin, which is perfect for a quick stroll, to more demanding routes. The terrain generally involves forest paths and ascents to hill summits.

Yes, for experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Slieve Gallion Memorial Path and Lough Fea — Sperrins is a difficult, long-distance trek of over 33 km. Another strenuous option is the hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion in the nearby Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which rewards with panoramic views.

Absolutely. Many trails in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place. A great example is the Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit loop from Desertmartin, which offers a satisfying circuit with significant elevation gain. Peatlands Park and Gosford Forest Park also feature multiple circular paths.

Loughgall Country Park is an excellent choice for families, offering several miles of waymarked, gentle trails like the flat Lakeside Trail. For another option, Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm provides a relaxed outdoor experience with paths suitable for all ages, centered around a historic farmhouse and rare animal breeds.

Many parks and trails in the area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. For instance, The Fairy Glen is noted as being popular with dog walkers. In managed parks like Loughgall Country Park or Gosford Forest Park, dogs are generally welcome but must be kept on a lead, especially near wildlife, livestock, and children's play areas. Always check local signage at the trailhead before you start your walk.

The region is fantastic for waterside walks. The Slieve Gallion Walk — Sperrins offers views over Lough Fea. For a more immersive experience, head to the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. The trails at Oxford Island National Nature Reserve provide panoramic views across the lough from its woodlands and meadows.

The landscape is very diverse. You'll encounter dense woodlands in places like Iniscarn Forest and Clare Glen, open bogland habitats at Peatlands Park, and rolling parkland at Gosford Forest Park. Higher elevations, such as on Slieve Gullion, provide rugged, open terrain with expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Yes, many trails pass by historical features. The Bramley Trail in Loughgall Country Park takes you past a hermitage, a lime kiln, and old walled gardens. For something more ancient, the hike up Slieve Gullion leads to a Neolithic passage tomb at its summit, which is steeped in local mythology.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from peaceful forest paths to challenging summit climbs, and the beautiful views over the loughs and rolling hills of County Armagh.

Several of the larger parks have their own facilities. The Loughmacrory walk and nature trail is known to have a café hatch, which is popular with visitors. Similarly, the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island has amenities for visitors. For a wider selection of pubs and cafes, you would typically head into the nearby towns and villages.

Most of the established parks and nature reserves, such as Loughgall Country Park, Peatlands Park, and Slieve Gullion Forest Park, have dedicated car parks. These can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea. For more remote trailheads, parking may be limited to small lay-bys on the roadside.

Besides the specific routes in this guide, there are several highly-regarded hiking areas nearby:

• Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A top-rated destination known for its stunning scenery and the challenging but rewarding climb up Slieve Gullion.
• The Fairy Glen: A very popular and lovely walk along a river, considered great for families and not too difficult.
• Annalong Coastal Path: Offers a pleasant and scenic walk right along the seafront with benches to rest and enjoy the view.