Slieve Gallion

Slieve Gallion

Slieve Gallion Group Walks | Join a Walk

527m Elevation
331m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Arderin

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Elevation

527m

1,728 ft

Prominence

331m

Coordinates

54.7319, -6.7612

H798878

OS Map

13

At the Summit

The summit of Slieve Gallion features a large cairn and a trig point, providing an excellent spot for a post-climb photo op. You might not quite glimpse from the peak, but it's good fun to pretend as you navigate with your map.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with occasional boggy spots. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear to avoid squelching in your sandals.

Slieve Gallion is primarily composed of metamorphic rocks, including schists and gneisses, giving the mountain its distinctive rugged features. The geological history of the area dates back to the Caledonian Orogeny, making it a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, Lough Neagh, and the distant Antrim coast. It's a prime location for both the landscape photographer and the daydreamer.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Slieve Gallion stems from the Irish 'Sliabh gCeallain', meaning 'mountain of the 'Cealláin', referring to ancient inhabitants of the area.

Historical Significance

Slieve Gallion has cultural significance as a historical site linked with the ancient Celts, and many local legends abound regarding this mountainous region.

Popular Routes

Gallion Road to Summit

Moderate

A straightforward ascent via Gallion Road, perfect for those keen on a relatively easy climb.

8.5 km 3 hours

Hiking from Dungiven

Challenging

Starting from Dungiven, this route offers a scenic path that wraps around the hills before leading up to the summit.

12 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at the trailhead on Gallion Road. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the rush on busy weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run from Derry to the nearby village of Draperstown, where you can find taxi services to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities in Draperstown include a few cafes and pubs where weary walkers can refuel. Toilets are generally available in public spaces.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Rugged terrain can be slippery in wet conditions. Watch for loose rocks, and do keep an eye out for sudden changes in weather.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Slieve Gallion?

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

Are there other walkers around Slieve Gallion?

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 Slieve Gallion search or of course create your own walk for Slieve Gallion

Can I organise a walk to Slieve Gallion?

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 Slieve Gallion.

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 Slieve Gallion?

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 Slieve Gallion 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