Ness, Ervey and Burntollet
Ness Country Park
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 and managed. Recent development work in the park now means 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.
Ervey Wood
A large section of the wood is also an ASSI extending for over 1km on the northern side of the flanks and floor of the Burntollet Glen, with the Burntollet River running adjacent to its southern boundary. A pleasant walk in all seasons with some steep inclines, although best in spring. It is also owned and managed by NIEA.
Recent development work in the park now means the the walk extends along both sides of the Burntollet River joining Ness and Ervey Woods
Burntollet Wood
Burntollet Wood sits adjacent to Ness Country Park. The wood is still in its infancy and is an Area of Special Scientific Interest containing fragments of rare ancient woodland. The Woodland Trust has planted over 43,000 native trees at Burntollet, mostly oak with scatterings of ash, alder and wild cherry. The young trees will buffer the nearby pockets of ancient woodland, slowly linking habitats together and providing an extended haunt for the Valley’s precious wildlife. In summertime, visitors will be treated to 11 hectares (27 acres) of gloriously coloured wild flowers. Vibrant displays of yellow rattle, birdsfoot trefoil, red campion, and ox-eye daisy await you. The flowers, interspersed with clover, barley and oats, provide a valuable habitat for numerous species of insects and birds.
County Londonderry
Distance 1.6 miles
OS Map Sheet 7
Terrain Woodland / Riverside Paths / Wooden boardwalks/steps.
Nearest Town Derry/Claudy/Eglinton
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C528118
Route Type Riverside, Woodland
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.
Take the path to the left from the visitors centre, crossing the River Burntollet at Browns Bridge. Follow the path for 1.5 km, turning right at the junction. This route loops up to Ervey Wood car park. Continue on through Ervey Wood car park to access Burntollet Wood. Follow the red waymarker arrows around Burntollet Wood, in a clockwise direction. You will pass by several viewpoints and information panels describing wildlife and wildflowers that can be found in the area. Pass through a kissing gate to bypass a private property, before re-entering the wood through another kissing gate. Continue to follow the path back to Ervey Wood Car Park.
To follow the route back to the visitors centre, cross the small area of grassland to the right of the car park and enter the wood through the wooden gate. This path will lead back to the visitors centre.
Highest Waterfall in Northern Ireland, Red Squirrels
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.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept under control around Visitor Centre & car parks
Visitor Centre, Toilets, Car park, Picnic Site.Please see link below to Ness Country Park for opening times. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Visitors Centre – Disabled toilets – Disabled parking
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.
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
Ness, Ervey and Burntollet
Nice walk on gravel and concrete paths, with good facilities, car parking, toilets, visitor centre, childrens play area. Well maintained and plenty of paths to explore. Difficult to get a good view of the waterall. See my YouTube video via link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPcz1G-aqSI&ab_channel=AidanDevlin
First time at the park today and certainly will be back. Toilets were spotless and the ranger/warden give us advice on path being closed and told us about the new piece of woodland which we found and enjoyed our walk around it. The path was closed but due to open next week to give access to waterfall from the visitor carpark but again we were advised where to park the car and how to go to see the waterfall..we did not go as time was short but will be back to this little hidden treasure of a forest well done NIEA you have done yourself proud
Gorgeous Site! Beautiful winding trails along a riverside path, many different lichens and ancient big old trees!