4.7
(9)
113
hikers
11
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Ballygan Upper, a townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, offer a blend of historical interest and natural beauty. The region is characterized by the prominent River Bann, which provides scenic views, and features like Mountsandel Fort, a prehistoric site overlooking the river. Nearby Somerset Forest also contributes to the network of accessible paths. These easy routes are suitable for various fitness levels and provide opportunities to explore riverine landscapes and historical landmarks.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(2)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
26
hikers
4.00km
01:03
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
3.0
(1)
12
hikers
3.23km
00:52
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.93km
00:45
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
5.32km
01:25
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Mountsandel Fort is a prehistoric fort dating to the Mesolithic period that was reused in the Irish Middle Ages (10th to 11th centuries). Located in Coleraine, County Derry, the fort consists of a huge grassy mound hollowed out in the middle, overlooking the River Bann. A must-see for lovers of mysterious monuments!
1
0
In a very nice little square, with benches and many shops in the pedestrian area.
1
0
You can walk along a well defined forest path from the small car park near Coleraine Courthouse and from the Fort, you can see great views of the Salmon Leap (Weir) and Coleraine.
1
0
There are over 10 easy hiking trails around Ballygan Upper, offering a variety of scenic routes suitable for different fitness levels. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.
Easy hikes near Ballygan Upper primarily feature riverine paths along the River Bann, historic sites like Mountsandel Fort, and pleasant forest trails through areas such as Somerset Forest. You can expect a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Ballygan Upper are circular. For example, the View of the River Bann β Mountsandel Fort loop from Causeway Hospital and the Mountsandel Fort β Mountsandel Fort loop from Coleraine are popular circular options that allow you to return to your starting point.
Easy hikes around Ballygan Upper typically range from 2.0 miles (3.2 km) to around 2.8 miles (4.5 km). Most can be completed within 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, making them ideal for a leisurely outing. For instance, the Somerset Forest loop from Causeway Hospital is about 2.0 miles and takes approximately 52 minutes.
The most prominent historical site is Mountsandel Fort, a prehistoric fort dating back to the Mesolithic period. Trails like the Mountsandel Fort β View of the River Bann loop from Causeway Hospital offer views of this significant landmark and the River Bann.
Yes, the easy hiking trails are generally suitable for families. Their shorter distances, minimal elevation gain, and well-maintained paths make them accessible for most ages. Routes through Somerset Forest or around Mountsandel Fort are particularly good choices for a family outing.
Many of the easy hiking trails around Ballygan Upper are dog-friendly, especially those through forest areas like Somerset Forest or along the River Bann. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and follow local regulations to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Many popular easy trails, such as those starting from Causeway Hospital or Coleraine, offer convenient parking options. For example, routes like the View of the River Bann β Mountsandel Fort loop often begin near accessible parking areas.
Hikes around Mountsandel Fort offer panoramic views, particularly of the River Bann, the Salmon Leap (Weir), and the town of Coleraine. The Mountsandel Fort β Mountsandel Fort loop from Coleraine is known for these scenic vistas.
The easy trails in Ballygan Upper are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, the blend of historical interest with natural beauty, and the scenic views of the River Bann and Mountsandel Fort.
Absolutely. The River Bann is a prominent feature in the landscape, and many easy trails offer beautiful views of it. The View of the River Bann β Mountsandel Fort loop from Causeway Hospital is specifically designed to showcase these riverine landscapes.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.