Sperrins
Mountains Rolling mountain range in Northern Ireland with peatlands
Low mountain range in Northern Ireland with rounded peaks, heather moorland and scattered glens. The Sperrins offer hillwalking, mountain biking and rural roads linking small villages and farms.
The Sperrins are an upland range of hills and moorland in Northern Ireland, mainly occupying parts of counties Tyrone and Londonderry. The range is noted for its rounded summits, blanket bog and glaciated valleys.
The area offers walking and hill-country recreation across heather moor, peatland and glens, with panoramic views from the higher summits. Wildlife includes upland bird species and typical Atlantic peatland flora.
The Sperrins’ present landforms were shaped by Pleistocene glaciation and subsequent peatland development; human activity has included pastoral farming, peat cutting and scattered rural settlement for centuries. Traditional land uses persist alongside conservation measures.
The Sperrins span central and northern parts of Northern Ireland, principally within counties Tyrone and Londonderry, forming a distinct upland zone in the province’s interior.
- Highest point: Sawel Mountain is the highest point in the range at 678 metres, providing the principal summit objective for walkers in the area.
Tips for Visiting Sperrins #
- Aim for clear weather and early morning for the best views and photography across the Sperrins; the range's open moorland means conditions change quickly, so check forecasts before setting out.
- Use established access points such as Gortin Glen Forest Park and marked trails rather than striking out across open bog-signage and paths give safer routes and better viewpoints.
- Take a map and GPS and allow extra time for navigation in poor visibility; many visitors miss the fine-grained geology and blanket bog habitats that are best appreciated on quieter upland walks.
Best Time to Visit Sperrins #
Late spring through summer offers the most reliable conditions for hiking the Sperrins, though weather is often changeable year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Sperrins #
Sperrins'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 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1658 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
