The best walks and hikes around Legaghory
3.5
(9)
504
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23
hikes
Hiking around Legaghory features tranquil woodlands and scenic views within the broader Faughan Valley. The region is characterized by its relatively young birch woods, with planted oak and Scots pine, offering a peaceful environment for outdoor activities. From elevated points, panoramic views extend towards Derry/Londonderry and the mountains of Donegal.
Best hiking trails around Legaghory
- The most popular hiking route is Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Craigavon, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This easy route features minimal elevation gain around the lakes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Craigavon Balancing Lakes – Craigavon Lakes loop from Craigavon, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This trail offers flat terrain suitable for a relaxed walk around the water.
- Local hikers also love the Pavilion in the Park – Lurgan Park Lake loop from Lurgan, a 2.9 miles (4.7 km) trail leading through parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Legaghory is defined by tranquil woodlands, parkland paths, and lake loops. The network offers options primarily for easy ability levels, with more than 20 routes available.
- The routes in Legaghory are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from more than 15 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Legaghory's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
85
hikers
3.70km
00:56
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
85
hikers
5.11km
01:18
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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50
hikers
4.73km
01:13
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
3.25km
00:50
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
4.70km
01:13
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
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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A pretty lake with a lovely path for cycling / walking around. The lake is also popular with anglers.
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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
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Legaghory?
Hiking around Legaghory primarily features tranquil woodlands, parkland paths, and lake loops. Legaghory Wood itself offers natural winding trails through a mix of birch, oak, and Scots pine, with an all-weather track also available. The broader Faughan Valley, where Legaghory is situated, is known for its wooded areas.
Are there many easy hiking routes in Legaghory?
Yes, Legaghory is ideal for easy hikes. Out of over 20 routes available, the vast majority are rated as easy. For example, the Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Craigavon is an easy 3.6-mile trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed walk.
Can I find circular walks in the Legaghory area?
Many of the trails around Legaghory are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. A popular option is the Craigavon Balancing Lakes – Craigavon Lakes loop from Craigavon, an easy 3.2-mile path that provides flat terrain around the water.
What natural features or viewpoints can I discover while hiking in Legaghory?
Legaghory Wood offers a tranquil atmosphere with rustling leaves and birdsong. From the edge of the wood, hikers can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Derry/Londonderry and the mountains of Donegal. Within the wood, a hidden glade with a bench provides a peaceful spot for reflection. The wider Faughan Valley is also recognized as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is home to a significant salmon system.
Are there any specific landmarks or attractions near the hiking trails?
Yes, the area around Legaghory features several points of interest. You can explore the Craigavon Lakes or visit the Lurgan Park Lake. For those interested in local history, the Moyallan Pillbox is also nearby.
Is Legaghory suitable for family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. With a high number of easy routes and gentle terrain, Legaghory is well-suited for families. The tranquil woodlands and parkland paths provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. The Pavilion in the Park – Lurgan Park Lake loop from Lurgan is a good example of a family-friendly trail through parkland.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter in Legaghory Wood?
Legaghory Wood is a haven for songbirds, and you might spot roe deer during the day or badgers at twilight. While not yet confirmed residents, red squirrels and pine martens are present in the local area, suggesting a possibility of encountering them in the future.
Where can I park when visiting Legaghory for a hike?
Legaghory Wood provides accessible infrastructure for visitors, including a stoned car parking area. This makes it convenient to access the trails and enjoy your hike.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Legaghory?
The routes in Legaghory are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from more than 15 reviews. Over 600 hikers have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the tranquil woodlands and accessible paths.
How long do hikes around Legaghory typically take?
Hikes around Legaghory vary in length, but many are suitable for shorter outings. For instance, the Lurgan Park Lake – Pavilion in the Park loop from Lurgan is an easy 2-mile trail that can be completed in about an hour.
Are there any moderate trails for a slightly more challenging hike?
While most trails are easy, Legaghory does offer a few moderate options for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are 3 moderate routes available, providing a step up in difficulty from the predominantly easy paths.
Most popular attractions around Legaghory
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