The best walks and hikes around Culmore Upper

The hiking trails offer a mix of landscapes. You'll find spectacular riverside paths along the River Roe, which cuts through a steep-sided gorge in Roe Valley Country Park. For more expansive views, the uplands of Loughermore Forest provide more rugged, open terrain.

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. Roe Valley Country Park is a great choice, offering tranquil woodland walks and riverside views. The River Walk loop from Whitehill is a gentle 2.5-mile (4 km) trail that's perfect for a leisurely outing.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, especially in open areas like Loughermore Forest and Roe Valley Country Park. However, it's always best practice to keep your dog on a lead, particularly near farmland or where wildlife is present. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.

The area has several excellent circular routes. For a moderate challenge with great views, the Loughermore loop from Gortnahey is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) hike through the forest. Roe Valley Country Park also has multiple footbridges that allow you to create various loops of different lengths.

For a shorter but rewarding hike, consider the O Cahan's Rock loop from Whitehill. It's just over 2 miles (3.5 km) and takes you to an impressive cliff towering above the River Roe, a spot rich in local legend.

While there are no major named waterfalls, the trails through Roe Valley Country Park follow the River Roe as it flows through a dramatic gorge. After heavy rain, the river can become a powerful torrent with impressive cascades and rapids, making for a very scenic walk.

For expansive upland vistas over Lough Foyle and the hills of Donegal, the trails in Loughermore Forest are hard to beat. If you prefer dramatic riverside scenery, the River Walk loop from Limavady offers spectacular views along the gorge in Roe Valley Country Park.

Yes, the region is rich in history. Within Roe Valley Country Park, you can find O'Cahan's Rock, linked to the O'Cahan clan, and remnants of the area's linen industry, including a disused hydroelectric power station. Loughermore Forest also contains ancient Neolithic monuments like wedge tombs and stone circles.

Roe Valley Country Park, a primary hub for hiking in the area, has dedicated parking facilities. For hikes in more remote areas like Loughermore Forest, parking is often informal along roadsides, so please park considerately and do not block access.

Roe Valley Country Park is located on the outskirts of Limavady, which is served by regional bus routes. From the town, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the park entrance. For more remote trailheads, public transport options may be limited, so it's best to check local bus schedules in advance.

After a hike in Roe Valley Country Park, the nearby town of Limavady offers a good selection of pubs and cafes for refreshments. For those exploring trails closer to Derry, the Bay Road Park area is known for having a popular local coffee kiosk, perfect for a post-walk treat.

The area is well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the mix of tranquil woodland walks and the dramatic scenery along the River Roe gorge. The trails in Loughermore Forest are particularly noted for their expansive, open views.