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 8 miles
OS Map Sheet 7&8 or Sperrins Activity Map
Terrain Surfaced road & forest track
Nearest Town Dungiven or Feeny
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C672048
Route Type Forest
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.
Bangher Dam, views of the sperrins and birdlife
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park open seasonally at Magheramore Rd entrance.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Banagher Forest
5 stars for the scenery. Make sure you bring route instructions with you as the route is not clear for first time visitors. Part of this walk was also closed when we were there (Aug 2020) due to fallen trees. Recommend you check paths are open before you leave if you are travelling long distances to get there as this is in an area of commercial forestry. There was no indication of a partial closure of the path online before we left or we wouldn’t have driven all the way up from Belfast. Will be back though. Gorgeous views. Stunning in winter I imagine.
Amazing day for our family. 9 easy miles to walk with children . Te reservoir is absolutely lovely.
Excellent day out for me and the grandchildren.