0.7 miles
Loop
Easy
Downhill Forest Pond Trail
There are two waymarked paths in the forest; one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length. The Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest. There is a National Trust walk in the Bishops Gate which directly opposite the entrance and can be used to extend the walk.
There is a National Trust walk in the Bishops Gate which directly opposite the entrance and can be used to extend the walk
TRAIL INFORMATION
Downhill Forest is a small mixed woodland of 83 hectares just inland from the North Coast of Northern Ireland, near Castlerock. The Forest was originally part of the estate of Frederick Harvey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, which included Downhill Castle, now maintained by The National Trust.
A walk through Downhill Forest will allow you to view one of Northern Irelands fattest Sitka spruce (in 1962 the girth was approximately 6m), an Early Christian Promontory Fort and an old water powered sawmill with its lade running round the small lake in the middle of this woodland.
The lake was originally designed as a fishpond, a number of Mallard ducks have taken up residence. Both the waymarked walks pass by this elongated pond.
There are two waymarked paths in the forest; one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length. The Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest. The North West Orienteering Club have also created a permanent orienteering course in the forest.
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/downhill-forest.
TRAIL INFORMATION
Downhill Forest is a small mixed woodland of 83 hectares just inland from the North Coast of Northern Ireland, near Castlerock. The Forest was originally part of the estate of Frederick Harvey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, which included Downhill Castle, now maintained by The National Trust.
A walk through Downhill Forest will allow you to view one of Northern Irelands fattest Sitka spruce (in 1962 the girth was approximately 6m), an Early Christian Promontory Fort and an old water powered sawmill with its lade running round the small lake in the middle of this woodland.
The lake was originally designed as a fishpond, a number of Mallard ducks have taken up residence. Both the waymarked walks pass by this elongated pond.
There are two waymarked paths in the forest; one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length. The Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest. The North West Orienteering Club have also created a permanent orienteering course in the forest.
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/downhill-forest.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Northern Ireland's fattest Sitka spruce
- Facilities Refreshments and toilets available in Castlerock.
- Dog Policy Dogs are allowed. Must be kept under control.
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 4 Terrain: Gravel paths Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start From Coleraine ~ Take the A2 through Articlave, Downhill Forest is on the left after approx. 1½ miles From Limavady ~ Take the A2 towards Castlerock, Downhill Forest is on the right approx. 3½ miles after Benone. When parking please do not block the gates as lorries, emergency vehicles and other official vehicles may need access to this entrance at anytime.
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Easy TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Suitable for most people, these routes are relatively flat, smooth and well-defined with occasional gentle slopes. There may be minor obstacles such as gates and bridges. A basic level of fitness will help to enjoy these trails.
