Sawel

Sawel

Sawel Group Walks | Join a Walk

678m Elevation
580m Prominence
I Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Sim Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam County Top (Historic) County Top (Current)

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Sawel together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

678m

2,224 ft

Prominence

580m

Coordinates

54.8197, -7.0394

H617973

OS Map

13

At the Summit

The summit features a concrete triangulation pillar and a large stone cairn, providing a perfect spot for a selfie (if that's your thing).

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky paths and open grassy moorland with a few boggy patches to keep your boots entertained.

Predominantly composed of granite and sandstone, Sawel showcases the fascinating geological history of the Sperrin range, where ancient rocks have shaped the rugged landscape we see today.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Sperrin range, the lush green valleys, and on a clear day, even glimpses of Lough Neagh.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sawel' derives from the Irish 'Sliabh Simi', meaning 'mountain of two hills', which reflects the mountain's distinctive shape.

Historical Significance

Sawel is steeped in local folklore, often associated with tales of ancient spirits and the rich myths of the Sperrin region.

Popular Routes

Sawel Mountain Trail

Moderate

A scenic route starting from the village of Draperstown, following well-defined paths through heather and grassy hills.

9 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the entrance to the Sawel Mountain Trail, located off the B40 road near Draperstown.

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited, but you can take a bus to Draperstown, followed by a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities on the mountain itself, Draperstown has several cafes for a well-deserved bite post-hike, along with public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes; the conditions can shift faster than you can say 'Is it going to rain?'
  • Boggy patches can be deceiving, so watch your step or you might find yourself providing a new habitat for frogs!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Sawel and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Sawel?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Sawel through the maps

Are there other walkers around Sawel?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Sawel search or of course create your own walk for Sawel

Can I organise a walk to Sawel?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Sawel.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Sawel?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Sawel here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible