Ness Country Park

About

Ness Wood is named for ‘an las’ or Ness, meaning Waterfall, in this case one of the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland. After the last ice age, ten thousand years ago, the old Burntollet Rivercourse was blocked by glacial deposits. In eroding a new channel through the rock, the river has created the magnificent waterfall, gorges, portholes and rapids which are a feature of Ness Woods.
The Country Park is 55 hectares of mixed woodland along with open parkland which extends along both sides of the Burntollet River. There are over 7km of stunning woodland and riverside walks including a magnificent waterfall walk.

For the less able visitors, there is also a meadow walk which offers easy access walking. The park also has picnic tables, wildlife ponds, wildflower meadows and a new visitor centre with local information and an exhibition on woodland biodiversity.
Facilities include visitors centre, toilets, woodland and riverside paths, children’s playpark, picnic areas and car parks..
Car parking at 4 points:
Main car park at Visitors Centre (access via Oughtagh Road). 9am-4pm
Open access car park ( Donaghy’s ) at main entrance (access via Oughtagh Road).
Open access Ness Wood car park (access via Oughtagh Road).
Limited access ( 9.30am – 4pm daily ) Ervey Wood car park (access via Ervey Road).

By car: The park is 4.5 km north-west of the village of Claudy and 13 km south-east of Derry. The park is signposted from the A6, via Oughtagh Rd.
By public transport: There is a regular bus service between Derry and Dungiven on the A6. From the main road it is a 2.5-mile walk to the start of the walk. For info on bus times contact Ulsterbus Ltd, www.translink.co.uk or 028 7126 2261

For guidance on walks check out https://walkni.com/walks/ness-ervey-and-burntollet/