DISTANCE

0.8 miles

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

TRAIL GRADE

Easy

Prehen Wood

Londonderry

The Woodland Trust’s Prehen Wood is one of Northern Ireland’s rare and irreplaceable ancient woods. Ancient woodland is land continuously wooded since at least 1600, and Prehen has certainly seen its share of centuries come and go. Today’s wood is a remnant of the extensive woodland that once covered much of the east bank of the River Foyle, stretching as far as Strabane. At 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres), the remaining woodland is much reduced from its former size. That which remains, however, is a treasure trove – a place of great beauty and a precious wildlife habitat in the middle of an otherwise urban landscape.

DISTANCE

0.8 miles

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

OS MAP

Sheet 7

GRID REFERENCE

C425148

COUNTY

Londonderry

NEAREST TOWN

L'Derry

LANDSCAPE

Woodland

Trail Grade

Easy

TERRAIN

Gravel and grass pathways

ON/OFF PUBLIC ROAD

null

DIFFICULTY

null

TRAIL INFORMATION

The choice of walking routes is detailed on an information board at the entrance to the wood; the walks are also outlined in the illustration below.

Choose between a 0.5 or 1 mile circular walk.  In both cases, stout footwear is required and the walk grade in respect of both routes is easy or gentle.

There are a number of sculptures throughout the woodland that will lead you on your walk. As you enter the wood you will see a large wooden red squirrel carving.  Follow the path straight past the squirrel and continue straight ahead, with the golf course to your right, until you come to the first stone bridge at a pool of water with an alder tree standing on an island, in the middle of it. This is where you can decide which route to take.

For the longer route take the right path, and for the shorter route the left. The longer route takes you past the sculpture of the foxes and eventually to a leaning rail, where you can take in the views over the city of Derry/Londonderry. Continue along the path until you reach a sculpture of a hedgehog. This is where you rejoin the short route.

From here the path will lead you over a series of stone bridges and streams and eventually you will start to climb back up the hill past a sculpture of a butterfly and you will arrive at the fence above the disused quarry which affords fantastic views over the Foyle. The quarry is gradually being reclaimed by trees and offers a haven for wildlife. The path continues to climb uphill to the sculpture of the red squirrel at the entrance/exit to the wood.  

Whichever path you follow, you will be impressed by the tranquility and beauty of this precious ancient woodland. 

TRAIL INFORMATION

The choice of walking routes is detailed on an information board at the entrance to the wood; the walks are also outlined in the illustration below.

Choose between a 0.5 or 1 mile circular walk.  In both cases, stout footwear is required and the walk grade in respect of both routes is easy or gentle.

There are a number of sculptures throughout the woodland that will lead you on your walk. As you enter the wood you will see a large wooden red squirrel carving.  Follow the path straight past the squirrel and continue straight ahead, with the golf course to your right, until you come to the first stone bridge at a pool of water with an alder tree standing on an island, in the middle of it. This is where you can decide which route to take.

For the longer route take the right path, and for the shorter route the left. The longer route takes you past the sculpture of the foxes and eventually to a leaning rail, where you can take in the views over the city of Derry/Londonderry. Continue along the path until you reach a sculpture of a hedgehog. This is where you rejoin the short route.

From here the path will lead you over a series of stone bridges and streams and eventually you will start to climb back up the hill past a sculpture of a butterfly and you will arrive at the fence above the disused quarry which affords fantastic views over the Foyle. The quarry is gradually being reclaimed by trees and offers a haven for wildlife. The path continues to climb uphill to the sculpture of the red squirrel at the entrance/exit to the wood.  

Whichever path you follow, you will be impressed by the tranquility and beauty of this precious ancient woodland. 

GETTING TO THE START

Take the A5 Victoria Road from Derry to Strabane, along the bank of the River Foyle. Approaching the Everglades Hotel, you will see a signpost for Prehen at the left hand side of the road. Follow this slip road and, having passed the main entrance of the Everglades Hotel, follow the next signpost for Prehen on your left hand side. This takes you to Prehen Park. Take the second left turn into Sandringham Drive. At the top of Sandringham, turn left into Summerhill Park. At the end of the cul de sac you will see the entrance to the wood.
  • Point of Interest
    Ancient woodland; spring flowers; wildlife; wooden sculptures
  • Facilities
    The Everglades Hotel on Prehen Road is just a short distance away.
  • Dog Policy
    Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Please clean up after your dog.
  • Accessibility Information
    Accessibility Grade: Grade 5
    Terrain: Gravel and grass pathways
    Toilet Facility: No
    Signage: No
  • Getting to the Start
    Take the A5 Victoria Road from Derry to Strabane, along the bank of the River Foyle. Approaching the Everglades Hotel, you will see a signpost for Prehen at the left hand side of the road. Follow this slip road and, having passed the main entrance of the Everglades Hotel, follow the next signpost for Prehen on your left hand side. This takes you to Prehen Park. Take the second left turn into Sandringham Drive. At the top of Sandringham, turn left into Summerhill Park. At the end of the cul de sac you will see the entrance to the wood.
  • Public Transport
  • 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.

GALLERY

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