Sperrins Scenic Drive

The Sperrin Mountains are Northern Ireland's largest upland area and one of its best-kept secrets. This route crosses the range through lonely valleys, past ancient stone circles, and over dramatic mountain passes where you might not see another car for miles.

Why This Route?

The Sperrins offer genuine wilderness:

• Untouched landscape - One of Ireland's least visited uplands
• Open moorland - Vast expanses of heather and bog
• Ancient monuments - More stone circles than you can count
• Gold country - Real gold has been panned here for millennia
• Dark skies - Exceptional stargazing

Where to Stay

This 95-kilometre crossing of the Sperrin Mountains runs from Derry through Banagher Glen and the high passes to Gortin and Draperstown, with almost no facilities in the mountains themselves. The route starts and ends in two different towns on opposite flanks of the range, so your base depends on which direction you want to explore first. Derry is the best-equipped starting point.

Derry

The walled city on the route's northern side has the widest choice of accommodation in the northwest, from boutique hotels within the walls to guesthouses on the Strand Road. From Derry, Banagher Glen and the Sawel Mountain trailhead are within 30-40 minutes, and you can drive deep into the Sperrins for Beaghmore Stone Circles or Barnes Gap and return the same evening. The city's restaurants and pubs make a rewarding counterpoint to a day on empty mountain roads.

The Landscape

The Sperrins are older than the Mournes or Wicklow Mountains - over 600 million years old. The rounded summits reflect their age; erosion has softened what were once sharp peaks. The highest point is Sawel Mountain at 678m.

The Route

Starting from Derry/Londonderry

Begin in this historic walled city. If time allows, walk the 17th-century walls - the most complete city walls in Ireland.

Claudy & Banagher

Head south through rolling farmland. The Banagher Forest has walks and the ruins of a church associated with St Muiredach.

Banagher Glen

A stunning narrow valley carved by glacial meltwater. The road twists through native woodland - watch for red squirrels.

Sawel Mountain Trailhead

The starting point for climbing the highest Sperrin peak. The hike is 8km return through open moorland.

Sperrin Heritage Centre (Cranagh)

Learn about the area's history, geology, and gold-panning tradition. You can even try panning yourself - real gold dust is found here.

Beaghmore Stone Circles

One of Ireland's most atmospheric prehistoric sites - seven stone circles, twelve cairns, and ten stone rows aligned to the sun and moon. Best visited at dawn or dusk.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

A forest park with a scenic 5-mile drive, walking trails, and wildlife enclosures including a Sika deer herd.

Gortin Lakes

Beautiful upland lakes for fishing and walking.

Barnes Gap

A dramatic mountain pass with panoramic views - the "spiritual heart" of the Sperrins according to locals.

Walking Options

Sawel Mountain

• Distance: 8km return
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
• Highlights: Highest point in the Sperrins, panoramic views

Vinegar Hill

• Distance: 6km loop
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Blanket bog, mountain views

Gortin Glen Trails

• Various lengths available - from 1km to 8km
• Well-marked forest trails
• Suitable for families

Gold Panning

Gold has been found in the Sperrins since prehistoric times. The Sperrin Heritage Centre offers panning experiences, and you're genuinely likely to find flakes of gold in your pan.

Stargazing

The Sperrins have some of Ireland's darkest skies. For the best experience:

• Visit on a clear, moonless night
• Davagh Forest has a designated Dark Sky Park
• OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory offers organised events

Practical Tips

1. Fuel up before entering the mountains - No petrol stations in the interior
2. Mobile signal is patchy - Download offline maps
3. Weather can change quickly - Bring layers
4. Beaghmore is signposted - But the final road is narrow
5. Allow extra time - The roads are slower than you'd expect
6. Bring provisions - Limited facilities in the mountains

Best Seasons

• Spring - Lambing season, wildflowers appearing
• Summer - Longest days, heather begins to bloom
• Autumn - Heather at its best (August/September)
• Winter - Atmospheric but roads can be challenging

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1-2 days for the Sperrins Scenic Drive: the 75km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. This one is entirely in Northern Ireland, so there are no tolls and distances are signed in miles rather than kilometres; the Irish toll roads guide covers the border crossing if you are driving up from the Republic. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Derry page, and the Causeway Coastal Route pairs naturally with this one.