Quality Walk

Banagher Forest

Longer variation of the walk at Banagher Glen taking in the part of the largest piece of commercial forestry in County Derry.

County

Londonderry

Distance

9 miles

OS Map

Sheet 7&8 or Sperrins Activity Map

Nearest Town

Dungiven or Feeny

Route Shape

Circular

Route Type

Forest

Terrain

Surfaced road & forest track

Grid Reference (Start)

C672048

Grid Reference (End)

C672048

Point of Interest

Bangher Dam, views of the sperrins and birdlife

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Sperrins

Route Description

Start from the first car park at the bottom of Banagher Glen, signposted from the B74 Dungiven to Feeny road. Turn left out of the car park, pass through the kissing gate and continue as the road climbs upwards through the ancient woodland of Banagher Glen. Continue to the fork in the road, taking the left fork signed for the dam and continue past an interpretive panel on a bridge. Legend has it that the large snake like monster known as Lig-na-Paiste escaped from St Patrick and hid in the gorge under the bridge where it still remains.

The road climbs on steeply up the glen. Take great care on this section as there is a steep drop to the right hand side. Ignore all other tracks leading off until Altnaheglish Dam and reservoir come into view. Follow the rough gravel lane and turn right towards the entrance of Banagher Forest and follow the path along the edge of the reservoir for approx. 2 km. Take a sharp right turn to cross the Altnaheglish River and then another turn right. The path begins to climb through the trees before turning sharply to the left, right and then left again.

The trail then summits the saddle of Altnaheglish Hill (360 metres) providing views of Sawel, Dart and Mullaghclogha and to Donegal in the distance to the west on the drop down the other side. Eventually the track comes to a T junction where you have two choices. Turn right to shorten your walk (green route) by taking the higher track that meets the Glenedra Burn further downstream at Ballydoonan Bridge.

The second option of turning left will allow you to take a longer descent through the forest. After fording the Glenedra Water (or Crooked Burn) take the next right and follow the trail for 3.5 kms to reach Ballydoonan Bridge. From here follow the trail downhill for another 1.5km to return to the car park.

These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.

Up to date information is available on the Forest Service web site - link below.

Getting to the Start

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Facilities

Car park open seasonally at Magheramore Rd entrance.

Publication

1. Walk the Sperrins- Landscapes from Stone. 2. Your guide to walking the Casueway Coast & Glens 3. The Sperrins Walking Guide

Publication Availability

Limavady TIC 028 7776 0307 Causeway Coast & Glens 028 7032 7720 Sperrins Tourism 028 8674 7700

Walk Location
Map of Northern Ireland
 
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