This steep wooded glen is a remnant of extensive natural oakwoods and comprises 20 ha, with riverside / woodland paths including wooden steps & footbridges, habitat of many different species of wildlife and birdlife. The site is also an ASSI and is NIEA owned / managed.
Recent development work in the park now means the the walk extends along both sides of the Burntollet River joining Ness and Ervey Woods. It also includes an area of level meadow, providing easy-access walking for less able visitors. The Park has wildlife ponds, picnic tables, wildflower meadows and a new Visitor Centre where you can view an exhibition on woodland biodiversity.
Distance:
3 milesStart Point:
C528118Finish Point:
C528118Point of interest:
Highest Waterfall in Northern Ireland, Red SquirrelsNearest town:
Derry / Claudy/ EglintonOS map:
Sheet 7Terrain:
Woodland / Riverside Paths / Wooden boardwalks/steps.Route:
Follow the path from the car park at the visitors centre down to the right, past an area of recently created ponds and across Hone's Bridge. Follow the path along the north side of the Burntollet River ignoring the bridge to the right ( this leads to a path that is currently closed due to subsidence ) , until you reach the second bridge. Cross the bridge and ascend the steps . The path will then lead you past Ness waterfall across Shanes Bridge. Continue on the path into the woodland, passing the viewing point for the waterfall. Follow this path downhill until you turn right onto a path leading uphill, this path leads above mature woodland and then reaches a turning point , taking a sharp left down a series of wooden steps towards the river turning right to rejoin the path to take you back to the visitors centre.Facilities:
Visitor Centre, Toilets, Car park, Picnic Site.
Country Park
1 April – 31 May 9am – 7pm Daily
1 June – 30 September 9am – 9pm Daily
1 October – 31 March 9am – 4.30pm Daily
Visitor Centre
1 April – 31 May 1pm – 5pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays Only.
1 June – 30 September 10am – 5pm Daily
1 October – 31 March 12pm – 4pm Sundays OnlyAccessible terrain:
Woodland and riverside paths, some sections of wooden steps with three pedestian footbridges crossing the Burntollet river , steep in places. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.Publication:
Ness Country Park Guide / MapAccessible toilet facilities:
YesGetting to the start by public transport:
There is a regular bus service between Derry & Dungiven on the A6. From the main road it is a 2.5 mile walk to the visitor centre. For Further Info contact Ulsterbus 028 71 262 261 or www.translink.co.ukGetting to the start by car:
The walk starts 4.5 km NW of the village of Claudy and 13km SE of Derry City, well signposted from A6 via Oughtagh Rd.Accessible signage:
Interpretation PanelsPublication availability:
Available @ Visitor Centre
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