2.5 miles
Loop
Easy
Randalstown Forest
Randalstown Forest is a mixed conifer forest that contains an owl conservation centre, Deer Park, and several walking routes, with two small adjacent Nature Reserves at the forest edge on the shores of Lough Neagh.
TRAIL INFORMATION
While there is the option of following several trails within the forest, this one follows the route indicated by the red arrows. From the parking area, follow the path into the forest, past the World of Owls Centre and through the turnstile. Immediately after passing thorugh the turnstile, turn right and follow the path around the western side of the forest. Continue following this path for approx. 1,500m until you reach a 'cross-roads' of tracks. The red arrow indicates that you turn left but, for a small diversion, turn right at this point and follow the track through another turnstile to the Randalstown Forest and Farr's Bay Nature Reserves. Then, return to the 'cross-roads' of tracks and continue following the red route. The track soon leads you back to the starting point where you turn right, pass through the turnstile and walk back to the car park.
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.
TRAIL INFORMATION
While there is the option of following several trails within the forest, this one follows the route indicated by the red arrows. From the parking area, follow the path into the forest, past the World of Owls Centre and through the turnstile. Immediately after passing thorugh the turnstile, turn right and follow the path around the western side of the forest. Continue following this path for approx. 1,500m until you reach a 'cross-roads' of tracks. The red arrow indicates that you turn left but, for a small diversion, turn right at this point and follow the track through another turnstile to the Randalstown Forest and Farr's Bay Nature Reserves. Then, return to the 'cross-roads' of tracks and continue following the red route. The track soon leads you back to the starting point where you turn right, pass through the turnstile and walk back to the car park.
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.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest The rich birdlife of the Lough
- Facilities Car parking/ picnic facilities
- Getting to the Start Follow New Street in Randalstown onto the Moneynick Road. Then turn left onto the Staffordstown Road, following the signs for Toome, before turning left again following the signs for Randalstown Forest.
- 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.
