Drum Manor Forest Park, Old Woodlands Trail (Black 1)

About

This trail takes in the butterfly gardens with a walk through the heart of the Forest plots enabling the walker to view a wide variety of different tree species then skirting the edge of the pond before rising through the open parkland back to the car park. Sturdy footwear recommended.

Start Point:
H763778

Finish Point:
H763778

Route:
Leading off the Red Trail, this trail passes through the old estate woodland that guards the southern boundary of the demesne and shelters most of the demesne from the south westerly winds. Follow the trail to see a young native plantation being managed to produce timber. This trail eventually takes you onto the Old Kildress path, which passes through the Beech avenue. This beech avenue is particularly striking during the Autumn when some of the leaves have fallen. This trail rejoins the red trail at the Butterfly garden. 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.

Distance:
2.1 miles

Terrain:
Off road forest paths

Point of interest:
Tree avenues. Old Kildress Path (which was depicted on a map drawn in the 1830s).

Facilities:
Car park (fee charged), Toilets (disabled access), Picnic areas, Camping and Caravaning, Way-marked/nature trails, Guided tours available

Publication:
Leaflet available below

Publication availability:
http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/index/forests-in-northern-ireland/forests-in-the-west-district/drum-manor-forest-park-homepage.htm

Nearest town:
Cookstown

OS map:
Sheet 13

Accessible toilet facilities:
Yes

Accessible terrain:
The conditions likely to be encountered are described below. Steps, gullies, fences, streams, boulders Severe gradients Undefined edges Overhanging branches All types of terrain Some Rest Areas at irregular intervals Way-finding Markers at trail junctions Distance “To go” Markers at trail junctions.