Garvagh Forest Trails

About

Garvagh Forest, located on the edge of the town, was formerly part of Lord Garvagh’s Demesne. 

Within the forest there are three waymarked walking trails along the network of forest roads, ranging in distance from 1.3km – 6.9km.  All the trails are circular in nature, starting and finishing in the trailhead car park, and are signed in both directions.  Walkers should be aware there is a number of dedicated mountain bike trails within the forest and that cyclists are also welcome to use all the forest roads within this forest. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and sound a warning when approaching from behind.  Walkers should keep an eye for animal sculptures located along the trails. The trail head car park accommodates approx. 25 parking bays, including two disabled parking bays, and three picnic tables.  The nearest toilets are located at the nearby Jim Watt Sports Centre, and also in the centre of the town.

All recreational users of this forest are encouraged to follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.  Please respect everyone’s forest experience and enjoy your visit!

The following waymarked walking trails are available within the forest:

Pyramid Trail (1.3 km long / approx. 20 mins) 
This trail is promoted as an all-ability multi-use trail and is relatively flat over most of its length. The trail edges the Agivey River for approx. half its length and passes through the main bluebell area under a canopy of beech, oak, ash, sycamore and elm trees. It passes the Pyramid within the forest on its return to the car park.

River Trail (5.0 km long / approx. 60 mins) 
This longer trail shares the route of the Pyramid Trail alongside the Agivey River before continuing alongside the Gortree Burn and skirting Rabbit Hill to the centre of the forest.  It passes the Pyramid within the forest on its return to the car park.

Canning Trail (6.9 km long / approx. 80 mins) 
The longest walking trail skirts almost the entire perimeter of the forest, which was formerly part of Lord Garvagh’s demesne. It ventures into quieter parts at the western end of the forest, and affords walkers elevated views of the surrounding landscape in the northern section of the forest. It also passes the Pyramid on its return to the car park.