Sawel Mountain
Mountain Peak in the Sperrin Mountains, scenic upland summit
Sawel Mountain, the highest summit of the Sperrin Mountains in Northern Ireland, offers upland walking, peatland terrain and broad summit views; hillwalkers follow established routes from nearby villages.
Sawel Mountain (Slieve Sawel) is a peak in Northern Ireland and the highest point of the Sperrin Mountains, with an elevation of about 678 metres. It is a prominent upland landmark for the region.
Hillwalkers use paths and open heathland to reach the summit; the mountain offers moorland scenery and views over the surrounding Sperrins. Routes are typically day hikes across boggy and peaty terrain, so boots and weather-appropriate gear are advisable.
The mountain has no significant built structures but has long been part of local upland grazing and recreational use. It features typical upland vegetation and landscape shaped by long-term pastoral activity rather than recent development.
Sawel sits on the upland spine of the Sperrin Mountains in Northern Ireland, near the border between County Londonderry and County Tyrone. It overlooks broad peatlands and ridges characteristic of the Sperrins.
- Height and prominence: At 678 metres above sea level it is the highest peak in the Sperrin Mountains and a common objective for day hikes and ridge walks in Northern Ireland.
How to Get to Sawel Mountain #
Common approaches begin from parking areas along the B46 and local lanes serving the Sperrins. Access routes vary; consult local walking guides and maps for preferred trails and seasonal conditions.
Tips for Visiting Sawel Mountain #
- Bring waterproof layers - northern Irish weather turns fast.
- Plan routes with OS or local mountain maps; some approaches cross peat and bog.
- Start early to maximize daylight and watch for sheep grazing on higher slopes.
Best Time to Visit Sawel Mountain #
Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight for hikes.
Weather & Climate near Sawel Mountain #
Sawel Mountain's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2060 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (220 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (218 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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