Ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles surrounded by grassy moorland and rolling hills in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, near Davagh Forest and the Sperrins National Landscape.

County Tyrone – Low Mountains, Broad Valleys, and Upland Moorland

An inland county of upland ridges, river valleys, and open moorland in the heart of Northern Ireland

County Tyrone is an inland county of upland ridges, broad valleys, and rolling low mountains in Northern Ireland. Walking routes cross The Sperrins National Landscape, follow sections of the Ulster Way, and use local upland tracks and river-valley paths, linking places such as Omagh, Cookstown, Strabane, Dungannon, and Coalisland across moorland plateaus, farmland, and glens.

Much of the terrain is varied underfoot. Upland sections use rough tracks, open hillside, and peat-edged paths, while lower ground follows field paths, minor roads, and riverside routes. Gradients range from steady climbs onto rounded summits to gentler walking through valleys and settled farmland rather than sustained steep ascent.

The landscape shifts across the county. The north is dominated by the Sperrin Mountains, with broad ridges, exposed moorland, and wide views. Central areas become lower and more agricultural, with drumlin-style farmland and river corridors, while the south and east include gentler uplands and valley ground approaching Lough Neagh’s hinterland.

Towns and villages are lightly spaced, acting as access points rather than continuous corridors, allowing both shorter upland walks and longer point-to-point routes across open countryside without frequent settlement.

Trails and Routes Through County Tyrone

Ulster Way

A long-distance circular route around Northern Ireland, with sections crossing County Tyrone through upland, farmland, and valley landscapes.

Sperrins Way

A regional long-distance route running through the Sperrin Mountains, following upland ridges, valleys, and remote interior ground.

Gortin Glens Forest Trails

A network of waymarked routes through forest and upland glen terrain, commonly used for shorter circular walks and access into the Sperrins.

River Mourne and Strule Paths

Local linear routes following river corridors around Omagh, used for shorter, lower-level walking and town-to-countryside connections.

Walking Character

Rounded upland ridges and moorland
Broad valleys and river corridors
Peatland, rough tracks, and open hillside
Forest roads and minor rural lanes
Scattered settlements with long gaps between
Predominantly inland and lightly developed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Tyrone located?

County Tyrone lies in central Northern Ireland, bordered by counties Londonderry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Armagh, and Down.

What defines walking here?

Upland and inland walking dominates, with moorland ridges in the Sperrins and gentler valley routes elsewhere, rather than coastal or lowland paths.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Ulster Way and Sperrins Way provide long-distance walking, supported by forest and local upland routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Generally moderate. The Sperrins involve steady climbs and exposed ground, but heights are lower and gradients more rounded than higher mountain regions.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn offers longer daylight and clearer conditions; upland ground can be wet year-round, with softer peat and reduced visibility in winter.