GATEWAY TO THE A GUIDE FOR WALKERS GATEWAYSPERRINS THE TO

MOYDAMLAGHT FOREST

MONEYNEENA

DERRYNOID FOREST

PLANTIN PARK

DESERTMARTIN

INISCARN FOREST

REUBEN’S GLEN

SLIEVE GALLION

LOUGH FEA

SPRINGHILL HOUSE

LISSAN HOUSE & DEMESNE

Permit No: 140036 This Intellectual Property is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under Delegated Authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright and database right (2014) 3 The special landscape known as the Sperrins Gateway focuses on the south eastern part of County -Londonderry and is an ideal destination for recreational walking. It offers a variety of walks for those wanting to get away from it all and experience the wild, unspoilt nature of this landscape.

Despite the scenery and variety of various options to suit all abilities walking opportunities a first time and as they are waymarked you visit can come as a surprise as it is won’t get lost easily! possible you’ll find that you have the Whether you are new to walking hills entirely to yourself. or an old hand there are plenty The great thing about these of trails that will give you a flavour is that if you are new to outdoor of this area. recreation and walking or visiting the area the first time there are

Mullaghmore from Crockmore 5 HILLWALKS

C ROC KBRAC K WAY K KBRAC ROC C

START

Permit No: 140036 © Crown Copyright (2014)

7 HILLWALKS 9

Follow the fence on your left downhill left downhill your on the fence Follow intersect until you some 500m for running off to the fence with another this fence and follow right Turn right. left as you it on your 1km keeping for above just Crockbrack descend from Drumderg River the headwaters of the Craigbane. climbing towards before slope, the bottom of the On reaching walking upslope straight on, continue your to the fence again and keeping the stile and turn right Go over left. t o is a man-made track here). (there w a r d s t h e s u m m i t superb this point are from The views o f C r south-east to north- and extend from a i g b a Draperstown, Gallion, n Slieve east over e and with Valley the Moyola Bann and the , further to the east. Valley the track and on to follow Continue the follow Y-junction another reaching downhill. right hand path and continue go a gate which you soon reach You After you downhill. and continue over the track the first farmhouse, reach this Follow road. turns into a tarred the After crossing downhill. road you River the Dunlogan bridge over come to a junction with the B40 right Turn road. -Moneyneena back to the the road and follow here pub car park in Moneyneena.

Craigbane Craigbane © Ronnie Irvine© Ronnie Irvine© Ronnie Irvine There are excellent views towards towards excellent views are There and Davagh. Towns Six Lough Fea, of quite flat sits in an area Lough Fea but boggy ground. At this point you leave the track and leave At this point you the higher start walking towards – (Cnoc Breac summit of Crockbrack open countryside speckled hill) over paths. with no formal bog blanket The climbs up over a stile cross and moorland grasses, keeping the summit, and walk towards At the summit left. your to a fence bog blanket is a lot of eroding there was on Crockmore. just as there towards excellent views are There and Davagh. Towns Six Lough Fea, of quite flat sits in an area Lough Fea but boggy ground. Follow the track as it leads you to as it leads you the track Follow – big hill) (Cnoc Mor Crockmore deposits extensive are There 478m. while ahead the bog here of blanket lough of Lough hidden on the northern slopes of Ouske (Sliabh an mhadaidh – Slievevaddy is revealed. of the dog)

Crockbrack

© Ronnie Irvine Irvine Irvine Ronnie Ronnie Ronnie © © © © Ronnie Irvine The starting this walk is for point situated Pub in Moneyneena, Mulligan’s Moneyneena Draperstown on the B40 the car park cross the pub From Road. the Drumderg and turn left up road the posts for the marker following road continues The route Way. Crockbrack crossing eventually uphill along the road a mountain a cattle grid and becoming track underfoot. peninsula come into come into come into peninsula peninsula peninsula Inishowen Inishowen Inishowen higher. higher. higher. go go go as you as you as you view view view As you rise the view behind behind rise the view rise the view As you As you Moydamlaght Moydamlaght over over extends first extends first on the slopes of Forest A large glacial erratic Mullaghmore. field to the right of sits in a rushy examination on closer the track, 10ft high and is around this rock contorted and composed of folded, very ancient schist rock. summits of the distinctive Views and the of , come into peninsula Inishowen higher. go as you view

START Crockmore provided where they are needed. are they where provided heather covered mountain and a heather covered boggy/eroded over short stretch Stiles are path. peat with no formal This is a permissive path. The path. This is a permissive by trail has been made possible giving of landowners a number of Please be respectful permission. and note that this is landowners not a public right of way. 11km Distance: Trail 526m High Point: Moderate to difficult Grade: Terrain: green country - roads, Variable open tracks, mountain lanes, mountain and a heather covered boggy/eroded over short stretch Stiles are path. peat with no formal needed. are they where provided Go prepared: clothing and strong Waterproof recommended. walking boots are Maps: is useful but the area of A map not essential. Series Map OSNI Discoverer 1:50,000 Sheet 13 Sperrins Survey Ordnance 1:25,000 Activity Map Crockbrack Way

FACT FILE HILLWALKS

HUDY’SWAY

An Ráth Dubh Community Hall

START

Permit No: 140036 © Crown Copyright (2014)

11 HILLWALKS 13 community centre. centre. community community centre. centre. community along the public footpath to the along the public footpath along the public footpath to the along the public footpath right turn will lead you back right turn will lead you right turn will lead you back right turn will lead you back into Moneyneena. A final back into Moneyneena. back into Moneyneena. A final back into Moneyneena. the Fivemilestraight which leads the Fivemilestraight the Fivemilestraight which leads the Fivemilestraight Turn right along Ranaghan Road for a Road for right along Ranaghan Turn sign leads you a short before distance left to the Stay some fields. left across a stream. towards a stile leads where past a modern continues The route to and the access lane leads bungalow Road. the Road on the Moneyneany Right Turn and shortly towards a sign will lead left Lane. on the Moneyneany Crockawilla Moydamlaght This lane soon joins the left and after a turn you Road where Moydamlaght reach short distance you car park. Forest the through the waymarkers Follow leaves Way Hudy’s uphill where forest the other trails and turns right along between a grassy track eastwards the trees. boundary the Near the forest the forest turns north leaving route and some boardwalk crossing before past a farmhouse downhill continues Follow the farmyard. and through bearing right and this lane downhill Road. join the Dunmurray you where onto roads right at the cross Turn where another stile will bring where River at the metal footbridge and footbridge at the metal River into a field. brings you another stile abandoned another towards Walk and the Dunlogan road. farmhouse Road and left onto the Dunlogan Turn uphill. and slightly westwards continue the route signs indicate Metal road onto a lane leading the road leaves Pass farmyard. to a private house and through and go the house on the left it as you leave to the gate taking care turn right along Immediately it. found some old but a grassy lane towards ruins. atmospheric farmstead turns right Passing the ruins the route the Dunlogan River and then crosses A stile leads into at the footbridge. to the right Keeping meadow. rough of this field a stile leads into another this adjoining field and cross field, field another stile leads to a third another stile will bring where onto a grassy you lane leading onto the Ranaghan Road. As this is a circular trail there trail there circular As this is a of convenient a number are starting points. towards a stile to the left along the towards waymarkers point the way. point the way. waymarkers along the country upwards Continue as it winds past houses and the road occasional abandoned farm house. and Way Hudy’s both Signs for the derelict point left towards Way Beyond clachan of Crockataggart. the field track follow Crockataggart, left past a deserted farmhouse and you will direct Waymarkers uphill. START in either in either be walked be walked The trail may The trail may outlined have we however, direction, starting at the community a route the community Leaving centre. car park turn left towards centre along the the village and continue the Douglas crossing public footpath At Drumderg Bridge and up the hill. Cottages turn right into Drumderg signage and Way Hudy’s Road, point the way. waymarkers along the country upwards Continue as it winds past houses and the road occasional abandoned farm house. and Hudy’s both Signs for the derelict point left towards Way Beyond clachan of Crockataggart. the field track follow Crockataggart, left past a deserted farmhouse and you will direct Waymarkers uphill. a stile to the left along the towards the Drumderg Cross hedge line. Activity Map 1:25,000 Activity Map Hudy’s Way is a Public Right of Way is a Public Right of Way Hudy’s 10km Distance: Trail Easy to Moderate Grade: Terrain: lanes, country - roads, Variable woodland forest fields, farmyards, no and open mountain with bridges and Foot paths. formal where provided stiles are required. are they Go prepared: clothing and strong Waterproof recommended. walking boots are Maps: is useful the area of A map but not essential. Series Map OSNI Discoverer 1:50,000 Sheet 13 Sperrins Survey Ordnance 1:25,000 Activity Map Hudy’s Way Hudy’s Way

FACT FILE HILLWALKS

ULSTER WAYULSTER

Permit No: 140036 © Crown Copyright (2014)

The International Appalachian Trail traverses Ulster from Slieve Ulster- League in Co. Donegal to Larne in Co. Antrim. Here, this trail follows the route of the Ulster Way through the Sperrins.

15 HILLWALKS 17

the actual rock face, to the right and to face, the actual rock the boggy ground where then left uphill the mountain moorland over stretches Glenshane and linking Moydamlaght ground very wet for care Take Forests. bright deep squelchy avoid under foot areas. sphagnum green forest A stile leads into Glenshane a rocky is steep and the ground where to the the trees path leads through of worship used as a place ‘mass rock’ tracks The forest during the penal times. before the trees through lead downhill on to the track you direct markers downhill The trail continues the left. reaching before the forest through A right turn the Glenshane Bridge. to a detour off route will allow here the Glenshane Road (A6) and the highest pub and Ireland’s Ponderosa, refreshments. for restaurant Glenshane leaves left the route Turning heading north along to continue Forest track contouring around grassy a good At Bridge the Corick Mountain. this Follow track joins the Corick Road. the River quiet country crossing road Roe at Cluntygeeragh Bridge and turn Corick Road leads left at the junction. before Road uphill onto the Birren A6 – Derry/ the busy reaching when care Taking Glenshane Road. left and follow turn the road, crossing to . the public footpath Crockbrack Drumderg Cottages. Drumderg Cottages. the village of left towards Turn continue to follow this track as it zig this track follow to continue of Crockmore. the slopes zags down Way along the Crockbrack Continuing then branches the route a distance for This track grid. off to the left at a cattle clachan leads to a small abandoned a here From called Crockataggart. leads to the tarmac farm laneway the village beside the and into road Drumderg Cottages. the village of left towards Turn the Douglas crossing Moneyneena Bridge using the public footpath. the village passing through Continue and Primary centre the community right along the B40. School on your and in the road right at the fork Keep along on the Moydamlaght continue the entrance to Road to reach of A number Forest. Moydamalght within waymarked walking trails are Way the Ulster so follow the forest the uphill and through waymarkers to Craig na roads on forest forest the stile and continue Cross shoke. left along the bottom of the rock scrambles the route here From face. and a small fence uphill and crosses avoiding up and around, continues © Ronnie Irvine The long distance walking The long distance the Ulster as trail known walking trail a circular is Way The . around to sections from two and Moneyneena Moneyneena been revised have to Dungiven and scenic a more to offer experience. quality off road

START follows Gortin the route From to west from valley the Glenelly past the county east and once you boundary and the council welcome the public leaves signs the route track a stony B47 and follows road and Water the Glengomna across ends in The track eventually uphill. continues a peat bog and the route left to your the fence Keep uphill. to the summit as it leads eastwards (526m). of Crockbrack the stile joining the Cross and turn right and Way Crockbrack along Crockmore descend towards right. this time on your the fence, track will lead downhill, A stony

Glenshane Glenshane Crockmore Crockmore Ulster Way Ulster Way Eagle’s Rock Trail

EAGLE’S ROCK This trail lasting approximately 2

hours will lead you through conifer TRAILS FOREST forest on a climb up the slopes of Mullaghmore to the stunning rock face of Craig-na-shoke. The effort is rewarded with extensive views out over the surrounding hills and countryside. The return journey

Peregrine Falcon starts by retracing your steps before the trail branches off to the right and returns to the car park Parsley Fern © Ronnie Irvine through a small stand of beech trees.

© Ronnie Irvine Hen Harrier Buzzard Harebell

Mullaghmore 19 FOREST TRAILS 21 Derrynoidriver trail Moyola Distance: 2km Distance: and comprises The walk is an easy stroll and among native of a stoned pathway The and riverside. woodland coniferous noble fir, is a mix of planted woodland natural understorey oak and beech with a sorrel. ivy and wood holly, of bramble, flora with ground has a good The wood plants being present most woodland anemone, wood sorrel, including wood and a variety of buttercup primrose, species is host to a range of bird It fungi. and fox squirrel, grey alongside bats, river to the The close proximity badger. which the biodiversity enhances greatly ‘big and the of the river fine views offers bridge’ Derrynoid Bridge. Distance: 1.7km circular Distance: in the car park The walk commences (Closed). of the Derrynoid Centre DerrynoidLodge was home to the Torrens. Judge notorious hanging judge, was built Rural College The former coach on the site of the outbuildings, the countryhouses and stables of Although the buildings and house. the grounds closed now are centre The route open to the public. remain on forest an easy stroll for makes paths with no obstacles or difficult a loop and forms The walk sections. in another can be extended to take 1km of woodland. Derrynoid Wood Walk Derrynoid Wood

DERRYNOID Moydamlaght medium loop Moydamlaght The energetic? a little more Feeling an extension to trail offers circular furtherthe short going up trail by where the slopes of Mullaghmore In can be had. views extensive of purple rosebay summer swathes herb bloom along the sunny willow edges of path. A short circular trail which takes trail which takes A short circular and 30 minutes approximately the through road forest follows while the later section trees conifer park along leads back to the car a small a single track through The trail plantation of beech trees. as the round all year is enjoyed mark the beautifully beech trees with brilliant passing of the seasons of carpets in summer, foliage green bluebells in spring and a rust orange in autumn. display Moydamlaght shortMoydamlaght trail MOYDAMLAGHT FOREST TRAILS 23 hilltop. From here track right - head here From hilltop. in view. that is now the cairn towards your retrace can you here From to your the forest steps back through a longer walk starting point or make from the tarmac road following by and the summit past the viewpoint to the Forest back along public road entrance (Please note this optional From the start, walk into the forest walk into the forest the start, From On ‘1’. metal gate marked passing the the path a junction follow reaching ‘2’. gate marked a metal beyond in the trees, at a break uphill, Continue the stoned track straight on uphill. take until it becomes along this Continue this to the top Follow a grassy track. coming out on open hillside. the fence track right following here From come to a stile. line until you head to the mast on the this and Cross track right - head here From hilltop. in view. that is now the cairn towards your retrace can you here From to your the forest steps back through a longer walk starting point or make from the tarmac road following by and the summit past the viewpoint to the Forest back along public road entrance (Please note this optional section is not waymarked). situated in a working These walks are be subject to and may environment forest time to time. from and closure diversion species of birds Iniscarn contains many be seen in can Buzzards and animals. the mature over springtime displaying hen Occasionally areas. hardwood can be spotted hunting on the harriers open moorland adjacent to the forest. is a small wood is a small wood 130 of just over to lying hectares of Desertmartinthe west village. Iniscarn Forest Iniscarn Forest Iniscarn Forest is a small wood 130 of just over to lying hectares of Desertmartinthe west village. has various conifer area The forest four species and approximately hardwoods, of mature hectares oak. mostly an off road follows This route to a Iniscarn Forest trail through mast and cairn oncommunications the basalt mountain top - the burial the grandson of place of Callan, pre-history from a figure Colla Uais, named as High King of Ireland. region of the surrounding Views Antrim the include Lough Neagh, plateau in the distance and and northwards to Donegal. walk with a total ascent of 496m. of 496m. walk with a total ascent Approx Distance: 8km Distance: Approx Easy to Moderate Grade: Terrain: open mountain track, road, Forest & country roads. Waymarked: car park forest from Waymarked This is a steep to summit only. of 496m. walk with a total ascent Maps: Sheet 13 Iniscarn Forest & Iniscarn GallionSlieve

FACT FILE FOREST TRAILS 25 Location: A29 to Location: Road Moneymore 1km Distance: Approx tracks Forest Terrain: Car parking at roadside Facilities: Picnic site and interpretive lay-by. information. nearby: Places of interest School and school house Cranny situated on the Iniscarn Road are This Glen. Reuben’s overlooking by the built schools was one of five in the of Company Drapers’ nineteenth centuryearly to serve Brackagh, of Draperstown, the areas Gallion and Moneymore. Slieve The school closed in the 1970s and the school house is tourist accommodation.

FACT FILE Reuben’s Glen shortReuben’s trail Glen short trail is along Reuben’s that ancient coach road a beautiful of the plantation towns once linked in and Moneymore Draperstown 17th Century. the early This particular through section is the last remaining Glen Reuben’s identifiable part of what was once between an important thoroughfare settlements. the two a small river follows The route featuring area a wooded through with the trees, larch mature and ash. birch occasional noble fir, consists of the route The rest with broadleaves of native mostly the occasional Spanish chestnut Bluebells and planted at random. the dominant are sorrel wood a wonderful and are cover ground An sight when in full bloom. is also evident. abundance of wildlife

REUBEN’S GLEN PARK & ESTATE TRAILS 27 and adults alike can enjoy an can enjoy and adults alike and adults alike can enjoy an can enjoy and adults alike the woodlands through adventure full of clearings, to uncover There natural climbing frames. mud and dens, swings rope are pie pits and snail racing courses, to and thrones creatures mystical Encouraging imaginations. capture the of all ages to discover children the seasons, throughout woodland, and stories their own creating The trail finishes play. games as they our at the exit gate lodge where second hand book shop is located. The Woodland Walk and Walk The Woodland trails Play Natural 0.8 km - includes Distance: surfaces. uneven This short through walk journeys which woodland, mixed a young of bluebells has a stunning display The woodland spring. in the early opens out into a wildflower with colour which is alive meadow, the and insect activity throughout The path winds through summer. the main crossing the wildflowers, can capture you where driveway, of of the front view the distinctive stopping at before , to see if door the enchanting tree Children at home. are folk the wee Distance: 0.5 km Distance: the through The beech walk leads you in replanted trees of Beech avenue one of the original beech only 1984, at the beginning of the remains trees 300 and is approximately beech walk, The walk leads up to the old. years which was once built in 1731, tower, of views the tower From a corn mill. Gallion can be and Slieve the Sperrins The beech trees on a clear day. enjoyed the stunning colour throughout provide in the spring to vivid green from year, the autumn. in rich reds Beech walk to a gradual end through the display of of the display the display to a gradual end through to a gradual end through at their best which are rhododendrons tree into the ancient yew and in May, of Ulster Forest partof the Great grove, of the house. at the rear carpet the floor Swathes of snowdrops Or in February. beneath these trees alongside the route can follow you the towards the large walled garden, Walk. Woodland Sawpit hill walk Sawpit 1.6 km - Distance: Approx and includes a steep slope surfaces. uneven of the perimeter This walk follows The path passes a small the estate. frogs, which is home to many pond, might see and you watch closely the on through proceeding one, open out which eventually laurels In spring it is filled into woodland. with bluebells and the smell of the The path begins a short wild garlic. the tower, but steep climb towards Look which once was a corn mill. American of the remains the out for pads concrete WW2 camp, GI’s the where show under the trees of the Nissan huts foundations the reach When you sited. were the a moment to enjoy take tower beautiful the through down view on a where trees, of beech avenue can see the Sperrin you clear day The Gallion. Mountains and Slieve the front across path continues passing some of the of the tower, large oaks that line the edge of the the boundary marking of the path, The old sawpit Springhill estate. been located in the have would timber field the path runs alongside, the estate was used to build from years 300 Springhill house over the walk will come Eventually ago. Springhill House, Moneymore SPRINGHILL HOUSE PARK & ESTATE TRAILS 29 Plantin Park, Draperstown Park, Plantin trail 1km circular Distance: include: Facilities picnic seating, park, play Children’s field. and a small playing area the Plantin through a stroll Enjoy in the middle away Park hidden The walk is on of Draperstown. footbridges over surfaced pathways and along a small tributary of the The trail can be River. Moyola the Derrynoid Road accessed from Housing entrance or via Moykeeran Road. Estate on the the trail route a circular Following point with leads uphill to a view towards northwest views lovely and Moydamlaght Mullaghmore forest. is a there such a small area For mix of habitat that attracts good including wildlife insects and birdlife, and fox. squirrel grey bats,

PLANTIN PARK Draperstown

Grey Squirrel Woodland path Woodland Restored Ice House Ice House Restored Restored Parking on the estate is free, and tea Parking on the estate is free, is served in the dining and coffee of the mansion house during room our where the summer season, The estate is shop is also located. most are and walkers open all year, welcome! An oasis of beauty and tranquillity, it tranquillity, An oasis of beauty and of nature and lovers walkers offers with experience, enjoyable a truly birdsong sounds being of the only 2014 saw and of the water. and gravel the completion of new the paths throughout woodchip the public to allowing estate, entire never the Lissan estate like explore within a world, A world before. along the iconic can stroll walkers bask in the glories ‘dark avenue’, take or of the beautiful parkland, a seat and absorb stunning vistas Famous countryside. Tyrone of the of bluebells, display the annual for the surprise of can enjoy walkers Whilst turn. magical colour at every can walkers exploring the estate, our icehouse, also see our restored and walk turbine house, restored designed ‘White Bridge’, the across Duckart. Davis by and demesne is an and demesne is an Lissan House estate of 267 acre enchanting at situated and parkland, woodland Mountains. Sperrin of the the foot Lissan House

LISSAN HOUSE 31 © Ronnie Irvine Disclaimer The information accuracy in the compilation of this guide. to ensure Every has been taken care The to print. at the time of going correct knowledge to the best of the promoter’s is, provided to their brought any errors or omissions but if any are for cannot accept responsibility promoters publications will be amended accordingly. notice future Go prepared during uplands can be very changeable - even conditions in the Sperrin Weather essential and strong clothing are and windproof Waterproof the summer months. advised. walking boots are Emergency 112 of an emergency call the police 999 or In the event Dogs as on a lead, even of the hill walks, permitted on any not Please note that dogs are and people at risk. and can put livestock it alarms livestock Walkni.com please visit Northern further Ireland on walking trails across For information as downloadable as well on a range of walks is provided Information walkni.com. when planning a need to know you suggested itineraries and everything maps, walking trip in Northern Ireland. Respect for landowners & promoting responsible use of the outdoors: of the outdoors: use responsible & promoting landowners Respect for the work been made possible by have in this guide The walking trails presented of local landowners. of a number permission and through of the local community be on private land and are may that they advised to be respectful are Walkers to the principles of of and adhere aware themselves encouraged to make no trace’. ‘Leave Maps: Maps: Map. Survey Ordnance to carry the relevant recommended are Walkers Sheet 13 Series 1:50,000 Map OSNI Discoverer 1:25,000 Activity Map Sperrins Survey Ordnance

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