It’s safe to say the summer hasn’t exactly been kind to us here weather wise.
The heatwave this week lasted all of about a day and a half, and apart from that it generally hasn’t been great so far this summer.
That said, there’s still plenty of the holiday period to go, and what better way to enjoy that than getting out into the fresh air in Co Tyrone.
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With the county covering a huge area, we have an array of natural beauty on our doorstep and the warmer summer evenings make it perfect for getting out for a dander to explore.
We’ve put together a list of the best walking spots to head to this summer in Co Tyrone:
Peatlands Park
Right on the border with Co Armagh, Peatlands is an age old favourite for those out for a dander on a sunny day.
It has plenty wilderness appeal with its wide open spaces and woodland. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience both peatland and woodland habitats on your way around its walking paths.
Gortin Glen
It’s easy to see why the Gortin Glen Forest Park has seen a recent boom in visitors and has once again been named as one of the most popular attractions in the area.
New facilities and mountain biking trails have proven popular, but the best part about the Glen is having a wander through its epic forestry and getting lost among the trees.
Davagh Forest
As with the Gortin Glen, Davagh hosts biking trails as well as walking trails, and both will have visitors in awe of its scenic beauty.
Situated at the foot of the Sperrins, there is plenty to gaze at as you make your way through to the paths in Davagh.
Killeter Forest
The forest near the border with Co Donegal has four waymarked walking trails that vary in length from 3km to 12km.
The trails follow forest roads, river bank paths and narrow country roads that all give access to one of the largest forests in Ireland.
Drum Manor Forest Park
Situated just outside Cookstown on the road to Omagh, Drum Manor is home to many childhood memories from those of Mid Ulster.
Walking around the lake and feeding the ducks was part of many Co Tyrone people’s childhoods and remains a great place for a dander today, and it's a great spot to land down with a picnic as well.
Knockmany Forest Park
Just a few miles from Augher, Knockmany is a popular spot for walkers and was apparently the birthplace of mythical giant Finn McCool.
It's a great place for a stroll at any time of the year but in the summer you can take in the beauty of the trees in full bloom.
Dungannon Park
You don’t have to go far from the centre of Dungannon for a nice retreat to stretch the legs.
The park has interesting paths that surround the grounds, with brightly coloured flowerbeds and the magnificent 13 acre freshwater lake.
The Washing Bay
Down around the shores of Lough Neagh is a beautiful spot at any time of the year, but a brisk walk around here will do you the world of good in the summertime.
It may be best avoided on the really hot evenings as you may be pestered by hordes of flies, or the 'midges' as they're known in that part of the world.
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