Drum Manor Forest Park, Old Woodlands Trail (Black 1)
This trail takes in the butterfly gardens with a walk through the heart of the Forest plots enabling the walker to view a wide variety of different tree species then skirting the edge of the pond before rising through the open parkland back to the car park. Sturdy footwear recommended.
County Tyrone
Distance 2 miles
OS Map Sheet 13
Terrain Off road forest paths
Nearest Town Cookstown
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference H763778
Route Type Forest, Parkland & Grassland, Woodland
Leading off the Red Trail, this trail passes through the old estate woodland that guards the southern boundary of the demesne and shelters most of the demesne from the south westerly winds. Follow the trail to see a young native plantation being managed to produce timber. This trail eventually takes you onto the Old Kildress path, which passes through the Beech avenue. This beech avenue is particularly striking during the Autumn when some of the leaves have fallen. This trail rejoins the red trail at the Butterfly garden.
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 – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/drum-manor-forest-park
Tree avenues. Old Kildress Path (which was depicted on a map drawn in the 1830s).
Signposted from the A505 – Cookstown to Omagh Road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Car park (fee charged & disabled access), Toilets (disabled access), Picnic areas, Camping and Caravaning, Way-marked/nature trails, Guided tours available
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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
Drum Manor Forest Park, Old Woodlands Trail (Black 1)
I have now started walking around the park from an entrance I didn’t know existed until recently. To be it’s a far nicer approach than from the carpark and Manor House entrance. As you approach Drum Manor from Cookstown you will see the large lay-by with the shiny gate lodge in front. Take the road to the left here and 100 yards on right, there is space for about 5 cars to safely park. It takes you straight into the boundary trail high above the lake, which I think needs a good clear out. The park I think could be better maintained and planted but this trail is very pleasant and takes you right around in a clockwise direction.
A nice walk which takes you past the old Manor House (ruins) and close to one of the ponds. Bit hilly in parts but the path is clear and easy to follow. Car parking is £3 (pay at machine on entry) unless you have a Forest Service Pass.