Garvagh Forest River Trail
Garvagh Forest offers several waymarked routes within the forest. Points of interest include an actual pyramid (folly created by Canning Family), Agivey River and splendid annual show of bluebells during May.
County Londonderry
Distance 3.2 miles
OS Map Sheet 8
Terrain Gravel paths and forest roads
Nearest Town Garvagh
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C839154
Route Type Forest
Covering over 200 hectares, Garvagh Forest is situated on the Western outskirts of Garvagh, with trees from over 80 years old to those only planted at the turn of the Century.
Garvagh Forest has a network of around eleven kilometres of paths and roads (including 2 waymarked walks) winding through both conifer and broadleaved trees and their associated vegetation, whether it is the spectacular Bluebells in April/May, the Foxgloves in July/August, or the Common Spotted Orchids in June/August. Also be on the watch for a plant called Herb Robert, or Stinky Bob as it is commonly called, which is a common plant flowering its pink flowers from April until the beginning of September. The alternative name becomes apparent when you take a sniff of the flower in the summer!
The forest is home not only to plants, but also many birds and animals, including squirrels, hares, finches and coal tits to name but a few. The newly created wildlife pond near the District Forest Office is quickly becoming a haven for many aquatic species; especially frogs, so keep an eye out for all manner of beasts and plants.
The final unusual habitat in Garvagh Forest is the Garvagh Pyramid, created as a burial chamber for Lord Garvagh in the 19th Century. Unfortunately the pyramid was never allowed to fulfil the task it was designed for and was sealed shut with no incumbent a number of years ago.
Garvagh Forest welcomes all the members of the family, with picnic tables and an Information Board situated at the Car Park. There is also a permanent orienteering course created by the North West Orienteering Club.
These walks are situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversion and closure from time to time.
A stone pyramid a short walk from the car park
Follow signs for Garvagh town: the Forest Car Park is on the western side of the main A29 Road, between Garvagh High School and the Ballinameen Bridge over the Agivey River
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are allowed. Must be kept under control.
Refreshments and toilets available in Garvagh.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
Garvagh Forest River Trail
One of the best maintained circular walks I have taken in recently. New seating has just been put in place too with marker signage at all the right spots. Well done council.