Mountsandel Wood
Forest walks on the eastern bank of the River Bann, in the vicinity of Mountsandel Fort. A mesolithic site, the earliest known settlement site of man in Ireland. Choice of high level route or low level riverside route.
County Londonderry
Distance 2.3 miles
OS Map Sheet 4
Terrain Gravelled forest paths
Nearest Town Coleraine
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C862303
Route Type Forest, Woodland
Within the wood there are basically two linear paths, one along the top of the slope and the other at the foot of the slope, partly following the line of the River Bann. Walkers can combine the two paths to form a circular route, or make use of the steps at the Fort to create alternative routes.
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.
Mountsandel Fort and mesolithic site
Both entrances to Mountsandel Wood are off Mountsandel Road, to the south of Coleraine town centre, towards the outskirts of town.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Refreshments and toilets available in Coleraine.
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
Mountsandel Wood
Despite living most of my life in Coleraine, I only recently discovered this beautiful walk. Like many treasures, sometimes those on your doorstep are the ones least explored.
Easy to access from Mountsandel Road which is within walking distance of Coleraine town centre. Choice of two routes each of which crosses at the site of the fort. Mainly woodland trail with a few short climbs depending on chosen route. Views of River Bann and of course the settlement location. Various info boards re history and location throught the trail. Shady walk, lower path close to river and may be liable to floodng in particularly wet conditions. Overall, well worth the effort.
Really easy and interesting walk. Lots to see.